【JLPT N1 Grammar】〜ときたら（~tokitara）

2020年5月16日 2024年10月13日

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Explanation：〜ときたら

Meaning
"〜について言いうと"
"speaking of / when it comes to"
Used to criticize or express dissatisfaction with a particular person, thing, or situation. It highlights a negative or undesirable characteristic about the subject and often conveys frustration, disappointment, or irritation. The expression can be translated as "when it comes to" or "as for" in English, often in contexts where the speaker is making a complaint or pointing out a flaw.

Form
N + ときたら

Points

Criticism or Complaints: "〜ときたら" is typically used to criticize someone or something. It often introduces a negative statement about the subject.
Casual Tone: It has a casual, conversational tone and is more commonly used in spoken language when expressing frustration or dissatisfaction.
Subject Emphasis: The expression emphasizes the subject being criticized, making it the focus of the speaker's discontent.

JLPT Level
N1

Note
話す人は「〜」について、不満ふまんの気持きもちがあります。

Sample sentenes

うちの夫おっとときたら、夏休なつやすみだというのにどこにも連つれていってくれないのよ。
As for my husband, even though it's summer vacation, he hasn’t taken us anywhere.

昨日きのうは私わたしの誕生日たんじょうびだったのに、私わたしの彼氏かれしときたら忘わすれて友達ともだちと飲のみに行いってたのよ。
As for my boyfriend, even though yesterday was my birthday, he forgot and went out drinking with friends.

最近さいきんのテレビ番組ばんぐみときたら、似にたような内容ないようばかりでつまらない。
As for TV shows these days, they’re all similar and boring.

うちの息子むすこときたら、毎日まいにちゲームばかりで全然ぜんぜん勉強しないのよ。
As for my son, he only plays games every day and doesn’t study at all.

最近さいきんの若者わかものときたら、挨拶あいさつもちゃんとできない人ひとが多おおい。
As for young people these days, many of them can’t even greet properly.