ともなると・にもなると
JLPT Level: N1
Meanings
When it comes to ~
If/When ~ becomes the case
Once ~, ...
As ~, ...
Usage
Noun + ともなると
Noun + にもなると
Explanation
ともなると is used to indicate a situation or condition that represents a strong turning point or extreme example of the preceding noun. It often implies that once the circumstance reaches that point, the situation changes dramatically or the consequences become noticeable. にもなると emphasizes an even stronger sense of inevitability or escalation after the same noun. These forms are used to discuss general tendencies, typical outcomes, or common reactions that occur once the thing mentioned becomes true or reaches a notable level. They are common in written and careful speech when commenting on expectations or typical behavior in extreme cases.
Examples:
- 年末ともなると、街は混雑して店も閉まりにくくなる。 / When it comes to year-end, the streets get crowded and stores are hard to keep open.
- 彼が有名人ともなると、ファンからの声掛けが多くて大変だ。 / Once he becomes a celebrity, it’s hard because fans approach him all the time.
- 都心ともなると、交通機関の混雑は日常茶飯事だ。 / In the city center, traffic congestion is a daily occurrence.
- 彼女が社長にもなると、部下との関係が変わってくる。 / When she even becomes CEO, her relationships with subordinates change.
- 病院ともなると、予約を取るのが難しい。 / When it comes to hospitals, getting an appointment is difficult.
Notes:
- The choice between ともなると and にもなると depends on tone; にも can add slight emphasis on the escalation when the situation reaches that point.
年末ともなると、街は混雑して店も閉まりにくくなる。
ねんまつともなると、まちはこんざつしてみせもしまりにくくなる。
When it comes to year-end, the streets get crowded and stores are hard to keep open.
彼が有名人ともなると、ファンからの声掛けが多くて大変だ。
かれがゆうめいじんともなると、ファンからのこえかけがおおくてたいへんだ。
Once he becomes a celebrity, it’s hard because fans approach him all the time.
都会の冬ともなると、暖房費がかさむ。
とかいのふゆともなると、だんぼうひがかさむ。
In the city’s winter, heating costs pile up.
彼女が社長にもなると、部下との関係が変わってくる。
かのじょがしゃちょうにもなると、ぶかとのかんけいがかわってくる。
When she even becomes CEO, her relationships with subordinates change.
病院ともなると、予約を取るのが難しい。
びょういんともなると、よやくをとるのがむずかしい。
When it comes to hospitals, getting an appointment is difficult.