際

JLPT N3

Occasion, edge

Readings

On’yomi: サイ, シ (sai, shi)

Kun’yomi: きわ (kiwa)

• きわ – edge, verge, brink, occasion, time • -ぎわ (as suffix) – on the verge of, just before

Structure

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Detailed Explanation

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Mnemonic

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Etymology

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Visual Tip

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Vocabulary

際

きわ

edge

国際

こくさい

international

実際

じっさい

actual

間際

まぎわ

just before

境際

さかいぎわ

borderline

Example Sentences

際に立ちます。

きわにたちます。

I stand at the edge.

国際会議です。

こくさいかいぎです。

It is an international conference.

実際に見ます。

じっさいにみます。

I see it in reality.

出発間際です。

しゅっぱつまぎわです。

It is just before departure.

境際です。

さかいぎわです。

It is the borderline.

Cultural Note

🌸 In Japanese culture, 際 (kiwa) embodies the concept of boundaries and transitions — between times, states, or spaces.
• In phrases like “この際” (このさい – on this occasion), it indicates an opportunity or turning point.
• “国際” (international) expresses crossing boundaries between nations.
• The idea of きわ also appears in arts, tea ceremony, and architecture — where edges and moments of transition are deeply appreciated for their beauty and meaning.