Japanese grammar
What does ～ともなると mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ともなると means when it reaches the level of…; once someone becomes….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N/Plain form + ともなると |
| Romaji | tomonaruto |
| Meaning | when it reaches the level of…; once someone becomes… |
Forming it
| Connection | N／plain form + ともなると |
|---|
How to use it
States a special standing or moment, then says what naturally follows from that standing. Not used for everyday matters.
- 「Nともなると」 = once at the level of N, then (things differ greatly from a lower level). N is usually a position, age, season, or major occasion: 部長・大学生・冬・年末.
- The latter clause states a consequence the listener also finds reasonable, not a personal, isolated feeling: 「責任が重くなる」「雪に包まれる」.
- 「ともなれば」 has the same meaning. Different from 「となると」 (just states a condition) in that 「ともなると」 emphasizes how SPECIAL that level is.
Examples
部長ともなると、責任が重くなる。
Once one becomes a department head, responsibilities grow heavier.
冬ともなると、この町は雪に包まれる。
When winter comes, this town is covered in snow.
Keep in mind
- N attaches directly: 「部長ともなると」, not 「部長にもなると」.
- Not used for a trivial matter: 「コンビニに行くともなると」 sounds wrong.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong部長にもなると責任が重い。
Correct部長ともなると責任が重い。
The pattern that emphasizes a stage/standing uses ともなると.
Exam tips
- 「ともなると」 = once at the special level N, then naturally...; attaches directly to N.