Occasion, Boundary, Edge
きわ (kiwa)
Interesting Fact
You'll often hear 「〜の際に」 in announcements, business emails, and formal Japanese. It politely means “on the occasion of” or “when.” For example, ご利用の際はご注意ください means “Please be careful when using [this].” In casual conversation, Japanese speakers would usually use the simpler 「〜とき」 instead. So 際 gives ordinary “when” a more formal, official tone—exactly the kind of wording you'll see on signs, instructions, and public announcements.
Memory Trick
Imagine standing at the EDGE of a cliff beside a HILL (阝). That dangerous boundary reminds you of the border or occasion where something happens.
Readings
Onyomi: サイ (sai)
Kunyomi: きわ (kiwa)
Example Words
Example Sentence
日本へ 行く 際に パスポートが 必要です。
にほんへ いく さいに パスポートが ひつようです。
nihon e iku sai ni pasupooto ga hitsuyou desu
You need a passport when going to Japan.