What does ～ともなれば mean? Japanese grammar N1

Forming it

How to use it

States that upon reaching a special stage/position, a corresponding state naturally follows.

• 「～ともなれば」 = once one reaches the level/position A, then naturally B. Emphasizes “at that level, things must be different”.
• A is usually a stage, a major occasion, or a position; B is a consequence everyone can see as natural.
• Close to 「～ともなると」 (nearly synonymous); the 「ば」 form emphasizes the conditional nature more.

Examples

• 年末(ねんまつ)ともなれば、どの店(みせ)も混(こ)み合(あ)う。

  Come year’s end, every shop gets packed.

• 管理(かんり)職(しょく)ともなれば、責任(せきにん)の重(おも)さが違(ちが)う。

  Once you’re in management, the weight of responsibility is different.

Keep in mind

• A is a SPECIAL level/position, not an everyday matter.
• The following clause is a natural consequence.

Common mistakes

• Wrong朝(あさ)ともなれば、歯(は)を磨(みが)く。

  Once it's year's end, the streets become lively.

  Correct年末(ねんまつ)ともなれば、街(まち)がにぎやかになる。

  A must be a SPECIAL level/occasion; an everyday matter uses 「～と」 or 「～たら」.

• Wrong管理(かんり)職(しょく)ともなれば、頑張(がんば)ってください。

  Once you become a manager, please do your best.

  Correct管理(かんり)職(しょく)ともなれば、責任(せきにん)も重(おも)くなる。

  The latter clause is a NATURAL consequence, not a request/command.

Exam tips

• 「ともなれば」 = upon reaching that level/position, then naturally...; A must be special.

Related patterns

• ～ともなると
• ～ば
• ～以上は