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JLPT N1 Very formal / literary

〜tokitara

Expresses strong feelings about a topic; 'speaking of', 'when it comes to'.

Formal, literary, often exasperated - "when it comes to X (with strong feelings)".

Formation

Explanation

Noun + ときたら emphasizes strong feelings - often frustration, admiration, or surprise - about that noun. It can translate as 'when it comes to...', 'speaking of...', or 'honestly, about...'.

Example sentences

  • When it comes to sushi, he can't eat anything.

    Sushi tokitara, kare wa nanimo taberarenai.

  • When it comes to math problems, she's always struggling.

    Suugaku no mondai tokitara, kanojo wa itsumo komatte iru.

  • Speaking of that shop's hamburgers, they're really delicious.

    Ano mise no hanbaagaa tokitara, hontou ni oishii.

  • Speaking of his usual attitude, it's truly problematic.

    Kare no itsumo no taido tokitara, hontou ni komatta mono da.

Speaking Of (When It Comes To)