に際して
On the occasion of, At the time of
Structure
Verb［る］+ に際し（て）
Noun + に際しての + Noun
Explanation
Much like 際に, which means 'on the occasion of (A)', に際して is used to indicate a specific event. It is most often used for special, one-time occurrences or significant moments. The key difference is its structure: に際して is a combination of the particle に and the て-form of the verb 際する, which carries the meaning 'to happen' or 'to take place'.
Although a more direct translation might be 'when (A) happens', に際して is typically understood as 'upon (A)' or 'at the time of (A)'. This is a formal grammar structure that can be attached to nouns or verbs in their dictionary form, and is common in official announcements or written instructions.
- 結婚するに際して、二人で将来について話し合った。Upon getting married, we discussed our future together.
- お申込みに際して、いくつか注意点がございます。When you apply, there are several points to keep in mind.
- 留学するに際して、たくさんの書類を準備した。In preparation for studying abroad, I prepared a lot of documents.
Caution
Though 際に and に際して are very similar, there are some important distinctions. Firstly, に際して is often used when the action in the second part of the sentence (B) is something done in preparation for, or at the start of, the event in the first part (A). In contrast, 際に tends to mark the exact point in time of an event, rather than the lead-up to it.
- ご入場に際してチケットのご提示をお願いします。Upon entry, please show your ticket.
- ご入場の際には、他のお客様のご迷惑にならないようお願いします。When you are inside, please be careful not to disturb other guests.
Building on this difference, に際して highlights the time leading up to a specific event, so it is never used with verbs in the past tense. 際に, however, can be used with past-tense verbs because it can refer to the 'occasion' when an action was completed.
- 商品をご購入されたに際して、アンケートのためにご連絡することがあります。When you have purchased a product, we may contact you for a survey. (Unnatural Japanese)
- 商品をご購入された際には、アンケートのためにご連絡することがあります。When you have purchased a product, we may contact you for a survey. (Natural Japanese)
Examples
新店舗の開店に際して、記念セールを行います。
On the occasion of our new store's grand opening, we will be holding a commemorative sale.
パスポートの申請に際して、身分証明書をご用意ください。
Please have your identification ready when applying for your passport.
結婚するに際して、両親に感謝の気持ちを伝えたい。
On the occasion of getting married, I want to express my gratitude to my parents.
大学の卒業に際して、校長先生からお言葉をいただきました。
At the time of the university graduation, we received some words from the principal.
入国に際しては、ビザが必要となる場合があります。
A visa may be required upon entering the country.
サービスのお申し込みに際して、利用規約への同意が必要です。
Agreement to the terms of service is required when signing up for the service.
記者会見に際して、社長は新しいプロジェクトを発表した。
At the press conference, the company president announced a new project.
引っ越しに際して、住所変更など、やるべきことがたくさんある。
When moving house, there are many things that need to be done, such as changing your address.
閉店に際しまして、お客様への感謝を込めてご挨拶いたします。
On the occasion of our store's closing, I would like to extend my greetings and express my gratitude to our customers.
工事開始に際して、近隣の皆様にご迷惑をおかけしますことをお詫びいたします。
We would like to apologize to all of our neighbors for any inconvenience caused at the start of construction work.
名誉ある賞の受賞に際して、彼女は感動的なスピーチを行った。
Upon receiving the prestigious award, she gave a moving speech.
図書館をご利用になるに際して、いくつかお願いがございます。
When using the library, we have a few requests.