〜にあたり / 〜にあたって ni atari / ni atatte

〜にあたり / 〜にあたって（ni atari / ni atatte）means “on the occasion of; at the time of; when about to”. A formal expression marking an important or special occasion at which something is done — 'on/at the occasion of'. Formation: V-る（辞書形）＋にあたり／にあたって、N＋にあたり／にあたって

on the occasion of; at the time of; when about to

N2

Formation

V-る（辞書形）＋にあたり／にあたって、N＋にあたり／にあたって

Explanation

A formal expression marking an important or special occasion at which something is done — 'on/at the occasion of'. Used for noteworthy moments (a beginning, a ceremony, a major undertaking), typically before stating attitude, preparation, or remarks suited to that occasion. 「にあたって」is the more common spoken-ish form; 「にあたり」is stiffer/written.

Examples

新しい事業を始めるにあたって、社長があいさつをした。
あたらしいじぎょうをはじめるにあたって、しゃちょうがあいさつをした。
On the occasion of launching the new venture, the president gave a speech.
卒業にあたり、お世話になった先生にお礼を申し上げます。
そつぎょうにあたり、おせわになったせんせいにおれいをもうしあげます。
On the occasion of my graduation, I express my thanks to the teachers who looked after me.

Note

Reserved for significant occasions; not used for everyday actions. Compare with 「〜に際して」(very similar, equally formal) and the more neutral 「〜とき」.

FAQ

〜にあたり / 〜にあたって — what does it mean and how is it used?

on the occasion of; at the time of; when about to. A formal expression marking an important or special occasion at which something is done — 'on/at the occasion of'. Used for noteworthy moments (a beginning, a ceremony, a major undertaking), typically before stating attitude, preparation, or remarks suited to that occasion. 「にあたって」is the more common spoken-ish form; 「にあたり」is stiffer/written.

〜にあたり / 〜にあたって — how do you form it?

V-る（辞書形）＋にあたり／にあたって、N＋にあたり／にあたって

〜にあたり / 〜にあたって — any usage notes?

Reserved for significant occasions; not used for everyday actions. Compare with 「〜に際して」(very similar, equally formal) and the more neutral 「〜とき」.

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