JLPT N1 Grammar: ときたら (tokitara) - tokitara | JLPT.AI, Your AI-Driven JLPT learning assistant

ときたら (tokitara)

N1CommonGrammar

tokitara

Used to emphasize the speaker's surprise, disappointment, or criticism towards someone or something. It's often used in colloquial speech.

彼、試験の前日に勉強しなかったときたら。 (Personal)
He didn't study the day before the exam, I can't believe it!
かれ、しけんのぜんじつにべんきょうしなかったときたら。
Kare, shiken no zenjitsu ni benkyou shinakatta tokitara.
あの店、予約もせずに行ったときたら、閉まっていたよ。 (Personal)
When I went to that restaurant without making a reservation, it was closed.
あのみせ、よやくもせずにいったときたら、しまっていたよ。
Ano mise, yoyaku mo sezu ni itta tokitara, shimatte ita yo.
彼女、プレゼントに恋人達の写真をくれたときたら、なんてロマンチックなんだろう。 (Personal)
When she gave me a photo of us as a present, it was so romantic.
かのじょ、ぷれぜんとにこいびとたちのしゃしんをくれたときたら、なんてろまんちっくなんだろう。
Kanojo, purezento ni koibito-tachi no shashin o kureta tokitara, nante romanchikku nan darou.

ばかり (bakari) - (N2 - N3)
- While both 'ときたら' and 'ばかり' can express surprise or criticism, 'ときたら' is more focused on expressing emotions towards someone's characteristics or actions, while 'ばかり' emphasizes the result or outcome of a situation.
ないで (naide) - (N4 - N3)
- 'ときたら' and 'ないで' are both used to express surprise or criticism. However, 'ときたら' specifically emphasizes the speaker's disappointment or criticism towards someone's actions, while 'ないで' expresses surprise or criticism towards a specific action told not to do.
わけがない (wake ga nai) - (N3)
- 'ときたら' and 'わけがない' can both be used to express surprise or criticism. However, 'ときたら' emphasizes the speaker's emotions and strong reaction towards a situation, while 'わけがない' is used to express disbelief or denial towards a certain fact or situation.

Choose the sentence that expresses surprise or criticism: