JLPT N2 Grammar – Two uses of “〜となると”
Table of Contents
1. Two uses of “〜となると”
2. AとなるとB①
3. AとなるとB②
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Similer Articles
7. Comment
Q: How is “〜となると” used?
A: “〜となると” is an expression that indicates a change in situation or a shift in topic. It has two main uses: ① to describe what is likely to happen when a certain situation is assumed, and ② to introduce a topic and show the speaker’s or listener’s reaction or judgment toward it. This is an important grammar pattern frequently used in both daily conversation and business Japanese.
AとなるとB① (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Used when you want to describe a situation or outcome that is likely to occur if a certain condition is assumed
[Rule]
[V] Verb plain form + となると
[N] Noun + となると
[Examples]
海外に住むとなると、言葉の問題がいちばん大きいでしょう。
If you are going to live abroad, the language barrier will probably be the biggest issue.
一人暮らしとなると、家事も全部自分でやらなければなりません。
If you start living alone, you will have to do all the housework by yourself.
留学となると、親の理解も必要になります。
If you study abroad, you will also need your parents’ understanding.
In this pattern, A presents an assumed or already decided situation, and B explains a new situation or outcome that is likely to occur when A becomes reality.
[Example (Assumed situation)]
自分で会社を始めるとなると、資金だけでなく覚悟も必要です。
If you start your own company, you’ll need not only funds but also determination.
⇒ A (assumption): Starting your own company
⇒ B (predicted situation): Determination as well as funds is required
留学となると、言語の壁やカルチャーショックがあるかもしれませんね。
If you study abroad, you might face language barriers or culture shock.
[Example (Decided situation)]
ニュースキャスター：来月から電気代の値上がりが決まりました。
視聴者：値上がりとなると、もっと節電しないといけないな。
Newscaster: It has been decided that electricity rates will go up starting next month.
Viewer: If that’s the case, we’ll really have to save more electricity.
⇒ A (decided situation): The rise in electricity rates
⇒ B (predicted situation): The need to save electricity
A：この国は学生ビザでアルバイトが禁止なんだって。
B：えー、アルバイト禁止となると、貯金がかなり必要だね。
A: I heard that part-time jobs are not allowed on student visas in this country.
B: Oh no, if part-time jobs are prohibited, you’ll need to have quite a bit of savings.
As shown above, “〜となると (①)” is used when describing a development or result that is likely to occur based on a certain event or condition.
AとなるとB② (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Used to express a change in a person’s reaction or judgment when a certain topic or situation arises
It is also used when the speaker expresses their own judgment or impression about that topic
[Rule]
[N] Noun + となると
[Examples]
アニメの話となると、彼は話が止まりません。
When it comes to talking about anime, he just can’t stop.
面接となると、ひどく緊張してしまいます。
When it comes to interviews, I get extremely nervous.
この翻訳機は英語やフランス語は良いが、日本語となるとまだまだです。
This translation device works well for English and French, but when it comes to Japanese, it still has a long way to go.
In this grammar pattern, A presents a topic or situation, and B describes a change in reaction or evaluation toward it.
[Example (showing a change in reaction)]
彼は政治の話となると、急に真剣な顔になります。
When it comes to politics, he suddenly gets a serious look on his face.
⇒ He usually has a normal expression, but only when the topic turns to politics does his face become serious — this shows a change in reaction.
ライティングは得意だけど、スピーキングとなるとうまくできません。
I’m good at writing, but when it comes to speaking, I can’t do it very well.
⇒ When the topic shifts to “speaking,” the evaluation changes (it becomes a weak point).
[Example (expressing judgment or impression)]
日本史の話となると、誰にも負けない自信があります。
When it comes to Japanese history, I’m confident that no one can beat me.
⇒ This shows the speaker’s confidence or judgment when the topic is “Japanese history.”
将来のこととなると、まだはっきりしたイメージができません。
When it comes to the future, I still can’t form a clear image.
⇒ This indicates that when the topic is “the future,” the speaker’s thoughts or feelings become vague.
“〜となると (②)” is not merely used to change the topic — it naturally expresses how a person’s attitude, feelings, or evaluation change depending on the topic being discussed.
Let’s Compare
Decide whether the following sentence uses ① the pattern that describes what is likely to happen when a certain situation is assumed, or ② the pattern that introduces a topic and expresses a reaction or judgment toward it.
[Example]
彼は日本語のこととなると、すごく熱心になります。
The correct answer is ② — it expresses a reaction or judgment toward a topic.
Here, the topic “Japanese” is introduced, and it shows a change in his attitude — he becomes enthusiastic, indicating a change in reaction.
Now, let’s look at the following example.
[Example]
日本語で話す環境となると、速いスピードで上達しそうだね！
The correct answer is ① — it describes what is likely to happen when a certain situation is assumed.
Here, “an environment where you speak Japanese” presents an assumed situation, and the sentence predicts the likely result (improvement).
As you can see, the meaning of “〜となると” depends on the context — it can express either assumption and prediction or topic and reaction. The key is to determine whether A refers to a situation or a topic.
Summary
[Aとなると①]
- Used to describe a result based on an assumed or already decided situation.
- In A, an assumed or fixed situation is presented, and in B, a new event or outcome that is likely to occur in that situation is described.
[Aとなると②]
- Used to express a reaction or judgment based on a topic.
- In A, a certain topic is introduced, and in B, a change in reaction or the speaker’s judgment or impression related to that topic is expressed.
Similer Articles
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