Japanese grammar

What does ～折に mean? Japanese grammar N1

～折に means on the occasion of…; when….

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N1
Structure	V辞書形/た + 折に N + の + 折に
Romaji	orini
Meaning	on the occasion of…; when…

Forming it

Noun	帰国 + の + 折に
Verb	上京する + 折に

How to use it

States a special OCCASION/moment. Formal, polite; used for notable occasions.

「～折に」 = on the occasion of A. Formal, polite — used for NOTABLE occasions (returning home, going up to the city, a meeting).
A noun connects via 「の」; a verb uses the dictionary form or た form.
Different from 「～時に」 (neutral, any time): 「折に」 is only used for special occasions and in a polite style.

Examples

次回(じかい)帰国(きこく)の折(おり)には、ぜひお立(た)ち寄(よ)りください。
Next time you return home, please do drop by.
上京(じょうきょう)する折(おり)に、恩師(おんし)を訪(たず)ねるつもりだ。
When I go up to Tokyo, I plan to visit my old teacher.

Keep in mind

Only used for a notable occasion.
Attaches to a noun with 「の」.

Common mistakes

Wrong毎朝(まいあさ)起(お)きる折(おり)に、水(みず)を飲(の)む。

Every morning when I wake up, I drink water.

Correct毎朝(まいあさ)起(お)きた時(とき)に、水(みず)を飲(の)む。

「折に」 is only used for a notable OCCASION; an everyday activity uses 「時に」.
Wrong帰国(きこく)折(おり)に、連絡(れんらく)します。

I'll get in touch whenever I return home.

Correct帰国(きこく)の折(おり)に、連絡(れんらく)します。

A noun must connect via 「の」 before 「折に」.

Exam tips

「折に」 = on the occasion of (formal, notable occasion); a noun connects via 「の」.

Related patterns

All N1 grammar →