Translation guide
This phrase is used to mark a special event or time when something happens. In Japanese, it is often expressed with set patterns rather than a single word.
To say that something happens at the time of a notable event, such as a ceremony, anniversary, or celebration.
A formal pattern used for important occasions. It attaches to nouns or verbs in dictionary form.
開会に際して、一言ご挨拶申し上げます。
On the occasion of the opening, I would like to say a few words.
卒業に際して、先生方に感謝の言葉を述べた。
On the occasion of graduation, I expressed my gratitude to the teachers.
Similar to に際して, but slightly less formal. Used for significant events or new beginnings.
新年を迎えるにあたって、抱負を語った。
On the occasion of the new year, I talked about my aspirations.
A polite, somewhat literary expression. Often used in letters or formal speech.
お誕生日の折に、プレゼントを贈りました。
On the occasion of your birthday, I sent a present.
Very polite and formal, used in business or honorific contexts. Often in set phrases like お忙しい折.
お忙しい折に恐れ入りますが、ご確認ください。
On the occasion of your busy schedule, I apologize for the intrusion, but please check.
Used specifically for commemorative events, like anniversaries or memorials.
創立50周年を記念して、式典が行われた。
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary, a ceremony was held.
Both mean 'on the occasion of,' but に際して is more formal and often used in official announcements. にあたって is slightly more personal and can be used for life events.
開会に際して、社長が挨拶した。
On the occasion of the opening, the president gave a speech.
出発にあたって、家族に別れを告げた。
On the occasion of my departure, I said goodbye to my family.
Do not translate 'on the occasion of' word-for-word as 場合に or 時に, as these sound unnatural for special events. Use the patterns above instead.
彼女の誕生日に際して、パーティーを開きました。
On the occasion of her birthday, we threw a party.
会社の創立にあたって、式典が行われました。
On the occasion of the company's founding, a ceremony was held.
On the occasion of our marriage, we bought a new house.