〜に至って
only when it reaches ~
Show when one action happens in relation to another.
Remember it
Place two moments on a timeline and join them with 〜に至って.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜に至って」 means "only when it reaches ~". Structure: Noun / Verb dictionary + に至って. This is a JLPT N1 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it for routines, status updates, sequences, and telling stories.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1採決の中止に至って、初めて問題の深刻さに気づいた。
さいけつ の ちゅうし に いたって、はじめて もんだい の しんこくさ に きづいた。
saiketsu no chuushi ni itatte, hajimete mondai no shinkokusa ni kizuita.
Only when the vote was cancelled did we realize how serious the problem was.
Shopping & services
Example 2買収の中止に至って、初めて問題の深刻さに気づいた。
ばいしゅう の ちゅうし に いたって、はじめて もんだい の しんこくさ に きづいた。
baishuu no chuushi ni itatte, hajimete mondai no shinkokusa ni kizuita.
Only when the acquisition was cancelled did we realize how serious the problem was.
Everyday life
Example 3志願の中止に至って、初めて問題の深刻さに気づいた。
しがん の ちゅうし に いたって、はじめて もんだい の しんこくさ に きづいた。
shigan no chuushi ni itatte, hajimete mondai no shinkokusa ni kizuita.
Only when the volunteering was cancelled did we realize how serious the problem was.
Everyday life
Example 4転載の中止に至って、初めて問題の深刻さに気づいた。
てんさい の ちゅうし に いたって、はじめて もんだい の しんこくさ に きづいた。
tensai no chuushi ni itatte, hajimete mondai no shinkokusa ni kizuita.
Only when the reprinting was cancelled did we realize how serious the problem was.
Everyday life
Example 5滞納の中止に至って、初めて問題の深刻さに気づいた。
たいのう の ちゅうし に いたって、はじめて もんだい の しんこくさ に きづいた。
tainou no chuushi ni itatte, hajimete mondai no shinkokusa ni kizuita.
Only when the payment arrears was cancelled did we realize how serious the problem was.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
Only when the vote was cancelled did we realize how serious the problem was.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜に至って.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.