Topic N5
Japanese Learning
Lesson 23: Watch out for cars when crossing the street
Learn time patterns with 'When...' (Toki), natural consequence patterns 'If/When...' (To), and particle 'o' for movement through a location.
When ...
✏️ Structure
💡 Usage
Used to connect two clauses, where the first clause indicates the time or condition for the second clause to occur.
⚠️ V-ru toki vs V-ta toki (Crucial distinction!):
• V-ru toki: The action in clause 1 has NOT yet happened when clause 2 occurs.
=> 日本へ来るとき、おみやげを買いました。(Bought souvenirs BEFORE arriving in Japan)
• V-ta toki: The action in clause 1 has ALREADY been completed when clause 2 occurs.
=> 日本へ来たとき、おみやげを買いました。(Bought souvenirs AFTER arriving in Japan)
📚 Examples
図書館で本を借りるとき、カードがいります。
Toshokan de hon o kariru toki, kaado ga irimasu.
When you borrow books at the library, you need a card.
道を渡るとき、車に気をつけます。
Michi o wataru toki, kuruma ni ki o tsukemasu.
When crossing the street, be careful of cars.
暇なとき、テレビを見ます。
Hima na toki, terebi o mimasu.
When I am free, I watch TV.
日本へ来たとき、かばんを買いました。
Nihon e kita toki, kaban o kaimashita.
When I came to Japan, I bought a bag.
学生のとき、よくスポーツをしました。
Gakusei no toki, yoku supootsu o shimashita.
When I was a student, I often played sports.