noun, adverb
on this occasion; now; in these circumstances; with this opportunity
Used to introduce a decision, suggestion, or action prompted by the current situation. Often implies 'while we're at it' or 'given the circumstances'.
この際、はっきり言っておく。
I'll say it clearly now, while I have the chance.
この際だから、ついでに掃除もしてしまおう。
Since we're at it, let's clean up as well.
この機会 is more formal and explicitly means 'this opportunity', while この際 is more casual and often used for spontaneous decisions.
Compound of この (this) and 際 (occasion, time).