Japanese grammar
What does ～とあって mean? Japanese grammar N1
～とあって means because of the special circumstance/occasion….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 普通形・N + とあって |
| Romaji | toatte |
| Meaning | because of the special circumstance/occasion… |
Forming it
| Noun | 連休 + とあって |
|---|---|
| Clause | 有名人が来る + とあって |
How to use it
States that because A is a SPECIAL situation, B (a natural consequence) occurs. Written/narrative style.
- 「～とあって」 = “because it's A (a special situation), B (naturally) happens”. A is special → B is a natural consequence.
- Often used in reporting events (news style): 連休とあって、道が混んだ.
- The latter clause is an OBJECTIVE result, not the speaker's intention or a command.
Examples
連休とあって、行楽地は混雑している。
Being a long holiday, the resorts are crowded.
有名人が来るとあって、大勢の人が集まった。
As a celebrity was coming, a large crowd gathered.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to a noun/普通形.
- Situation A must be special enough that B is a natural consequence.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong連休とあって、出かけよう。
Since it's a long holiday, let's go out.
Correct連休とあって、道が混んだ。
The clause after 「とあって」 is an OBJECTIVE result, not the speaker's intention or invitation.
-
Wrong普通の日とあって、混雑した。
Since it's a long holiday, it's crowded.
Correct連休とあって、混雑した。
A must be a SPECIAL situation significant enough to make B a natural consequence, not an ordinary occasion.
Exam tips
- 「とあって」 = because it's a special situation, (a natural result) happens; narrative writing.