～にあたって
on the occasion of
～にあたって attaches to a noun or a verb in dictionary form and marks an important occasion at which something is done, typically the start of a new venture, a ceremony, or a major step. It corresponds to English “on the occasion of” or “at the time of (doing)”.
It is a formal expression used in speeches, announcements, and business writing, so it is reserved for significant events rather than everyday actions. Unlike the neutral ～とき, you would not use it for something as ordinary as brushing your teeth. The written variant ～にあたり is even more formal.
Marking a significant juncture
Use ～にあたって to introduce what is done, prepared, or said at the moment of an important undertaking.
新製品の発売にあたって、記者会見を開いた。
“On the occasion of the new product's launch, a press conference was held.”
- 新製品（しんせいひん）= new product
- の = possessive marker
- 発売（はつばい）= launch, release
- にあたって = on the occasion of
- 記者会見（きしゃかいけん）= press conference
- を = object marker
- 開いた（ひらいた）= held, opened
留学するにあたって、いろいろな準備が必要だ。
“When you set out to study abroad, all sorts of preparations are necessary.”
- 留学する（りゅうがくする）= to study abroad
- にあたって = at the juncture of
- いろいろな = various
- 準備（じゅんび）= preparations
- が = subject marker
- 必要だ（ひつようだ）= is necessary
How to form it
Noun + にあたって / Verb dictionary form + にあたって (formal written: にあたり)
- 卒業（そつぎょう）= graduation → 卒業にあたって（そつぎょうにあたって）= upon graduating
- 始める（はじめる）= to begin → 始めるにあたって（はじめるにあたって）= when beginning
- 開会（かいかい）= opening (of a meeting) → 開会にあたり（かいかいにあたり）= at the opening (very formal)
Key idea
～にあたって spotlights a big moment (a launch, a departure, an opening) and frames what you do in preparation for or in recognition of that moment. Formal occasions only.
Other N2 grammar
Updated .