N1131/187

ときたら

Noun + ときたらPronoun/Person + ときたらこの子ときたらうちの〜ときたら

Meanings

When it comes to X, X is [annoying/typical], X or this darn X, that or this blasted X

About this pattern

Explanation

ときたら is a colloquial, somewhat rude or irritated way to complain about someone’s behavior or a situation. It foregrounds the speaker’s exasperation and often implies that the thing being referenced is typical or characteristic in a negative sense. It’s used with people (often someone the speaker knows well) or sometimes with pets/children, and it tends to harshen the sentiment of the following clause. It is not neutral; it conveys frustration or blame and is most common in casual speech, among friends or family, or in venting contexts.