Japanese grammar
What does ～ときている mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ときている means on top of that…; and what's more….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | 普通形 + ときている N + ときている |
| Romaji | tokiteiru |
| Meaning | on top of that…; and what's more… |
Forming it
| Noun | 休日 + ときている |
|---|---|
| Adjective | 安い + ときている |
How to use it
Adds ANOTHER factor to a stated situation, usually making things worse. Colloquial.
- 「～ときている」 = and on top of that, A too. Adds another factor to the situation, usually making the outcome more pronounced.
- Can be used for both something good (「安い上に味もいいときている」) and something bad.
- The latter clause is usually a conclusion/complaint about the overall situation.
Examples
この店は安いし、味もいいときている。
This place is cheap — and the food’s good on top of that.
締め切り前なのに、担当者は休みときている。
The deadline’s near, and the person in charge is off, of all things.
Keep in mind
- Adds another factor.
- Colloquial, often carries an exclamatory tone.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong仕事が忙しいときているので、休めない。
Work is busy, and on top of that we're short-staffed too.
Correct仕事が忙しい上に人手も足りないときている。
「ときている」 ADDS another factor to a stated situation; it's not used as a standalone reason.
-
Wrong安いときていた。
And it's cheap on top of that.
Correct安いときている。
The fixed phrase is in the form 「ときている」, rarely conjugated to the past.
Exam tips
- 「ときている」 = and on top of that (adds a factor); different from 「ときたら」 (states a topic to complain).