Japanese grammar at the N1 level can be nuanced and highly contextual. One such expression is ～にあって, which is often used in formal or written Japanese to indicate a specific time, situation, or condition in which something occurs. In this article, we’ll break down its meaning, usage, nuances, and give you plenty of real-world examples.
🧠 Meaning of ～にあって
～にあって can be translated as:
- In the situation of…
- During…
- Under the circumstances of…
- At the time of…
It is used to describe a condition or situation that has a significant influence on the event that follows. This grammar point often appears in formal writing such as news articles, essays, speeches, and official reports.
🧩 Structure
[Noun] + にあって
The noun usually refers to a specific time period, situation, condition, or environment.
📘 Examples
Example 1:
戦時中にあっては、国民の生活は極めて厳しかった。
(Senjichū ni atte wa, kokumin no seikatsu wa kiwamete kibishikatta.)
→ During the war, people’s lives were extremely harsh.
Explanation: “戦時中” (during the war) sets the context. The phrase indicates that the war greatly affected daily life.
Example 2:
急速な経済成長期にあって、多くの企業が海外進出を果たした。
(Kyūsoku na keizai seichō-ki ni atte, ōku no kigyō ga kaigai shinshutsu o hatashita.)
→ During the period of rapid economic growth, many companies expanded overseas.
Explanation: The rapid economic growth provided the context or environment in which expansion became possible.
Example 3:
非常時にあっても、冷静な判断が求められる。
(Hijōji ni atte mo, reisei na handan ga motomerareru.)
→ Even in an emergency situation, calm judgment is required.
Explanation: Emphasizes contrast. Despite being in a crisis, calmness is necessary.
Example 4:
困難な状況にあって、彼は希望を失わなかった。
(Konnan na jōkyō ni atte, kare wa kibō o ushinawanakatta.)
→ Even under difficult circumstances, he never lost hope.
Explanation: Emphasizes perseverance in adversity.
🔄 Similar Grammar Patterns
| Grammar | Meaning | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| ～において | At / In (formal place or time) | More neutral or general. ～にあって emphasizes context or condition. |
| ～中（ちゅう） | During / While | More casual and used for time durations. |
| ～に際して | On the occasion of / When | Often used for important one-time events. |
| ～のもとで | Under (someone’s leadership, rule) | Emphasizes control or influence from someone/something. |
📝 Usage Tips
- Often used in formal or written Japanese.
- The subject matter is usually social, political, historical, or emotional.
- Can be followed by 「も」 to express contrast (e.g., にあっても).
- Not typically used in casual spoken conversation.
🎓 Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| JLPT Level | N1 |
| Formality | High (used in writing, speeches, reports) |
| Meaning | In (the situation of), Under (circumstances), During |
| Usage | Indicates a specific time, condition, or environment influencing an action |
🗣 Practice Time
Try making your own sentences with ～にあって! Here are some prompts to help you:
- Describe a historical event and its context.
- Talk about how you stay motivated in difficult times.
- Write a formal sentence about the current global situation.
