N5

toki

時 (when)

N5

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Explanation

時 (とき) means “when.” It connects a time or action with another action. You can use it with verbs and adjectives to say “when I do…,” “when it is…,” or “when I did….” Key points: • Verb (dictionary) + 時 = when you do • Verb (past) + 時 = when you did • Noun + の + 時 = when (noun) • Adjective + 時 = when it is/was Example: “日本に行く時、写真を撮ります” means “When I go to Japan, I take photos.” “暇な時、映画を見ます” means “When I am free, I watch movies.” Use dictionary form for general or future situations, and past form for past situations. For nouns, add の before 時. This pattern is very common and helps you talk about situations and timing in a natural way. Practice by describing daily routines: 朝起きる時、コーヒーを飲みます. 友だちに会った時、うれしかったです.

Structure

Pattern
(Verb/Adj/Noun) + 時 + Action
Verb/Adj/NounThe time or condition
Examples: 行く, 行った, 暇な, 雨の
When
Examples:
ActionMain action
Examples: 写真を撮ります, 家にいます, うれしいです

Examples

Example 1
日本に行く時、写真を撮ります。
Nihon ni iku toki, shashin o torimasu.
When I go to Japan, I take photos.
Breakdown
日本Japan
to
行くgo (dictionary)
when
写真photos
object marker
撮りますtake
Note: General/future
Example 2
家に帰った時、シャワーを浴びます。
Ie ni kaetta toki, shawaa o abimasu.
When I got home, I take a shower.
Breakdown
home
to
帰ったreturned (past)
when
シャワーshower
object marker
浴びますtake (a shower)
Note: Past situation
Example 3
暇な時、映画を見ます。
Hima na toki, eiga o mimasu.
When I am free, I watch movies.
Breakdown
暇なfree (na-adj)
when
映画movie
object marker
見ますwatch
Note: Adjective + 時
Example 4
雨の時、家にいます。
Ame no toki, ie ni imasu.
When it rains, I stay home.
Breakdown
rain
of
when
home
at
いますbe (animate)
Note: Noun + の + 時

Related Grammar