What does ～ときたら mean? Japanese grammar N1

Forming it

How to use it

States a topic, then complains about it. Colloquial.

• 「～ときたら」 states a topic then COMPLAINS about it: “speaking of..., honestly...”. Almost always carries an irritated/critical tone.
• The topic is usually a familiar person or a familiar object of the speaker's.
• Different from 「～といえば」 (speaking of..., neutral): 「ときたら」 always carries a negative assessment.

Examples

• うちの息子(むすこ)ときたら、休(やす)みの日(ひ)は寝(ね)てばかりだ。

  My son — all he does on days off is sleep.

• このパソコンときたら、すぐに固(かた)まってしまう。

  This computer of mine freezes at the drop of a hat.

Keep in mind

• Colloquial; not used in formal writing.
• The following clause is a complaint/criticism.

Common mistakes

• Wrong彼(かれ)ときたら、本当(ほんとう)に優秀(ゆうしゅう)だ。

  Speaking of him, he's truly excellent.

  Correct彼(かれ)ときたら、また遅刻(ちこく)だ。

  「ときたら」 is almost always used to COMPLAIN; for praise, use 「といえば」.

• Wrong日本(にっぽん)の文化(ぶんか)ときたら、茶道(さどう)が有名(ゆうめい)だ。

  Speaking of Japanese culture, tea ceremony is famous.

  Correct日本(にっぽん)の文化(ぶんか)といえば、茶道(さどう)が有名(ゆうめい)だ。

  A neutral topic uses 「といえば」; 「ときたら」 is for a familiar target being complained about.

Exam tips

• 「ときたら」 = speaking of...(complaint); colloquial, always carries criticism.

Related patterns

• ～といえば
• ～って
• ～は～で