How to Say ‘When in trouble’ in Japanese
困ったときは
komatsu ta toki wa
[koh-maht tah toh-kee wah]
💬 Usage Tip: 〜たときは means "when ~ happens," so 困ったときは is "when you're in trouble" or "when a problem comes up." It's a useful pattern: 分からないときは "when you don't understand."
Phrase Breakdown
困っ
komatsu
[koh-maht]
troubled; having difficulty
From 困る, meaning to be in trouble or not know what to do.
困ったときはすぐに先輩に相談してください。
When you are having trouble, please consult a senior right away.
た
ta
[tah]
past marker
A past-tense ending attached here to 困っ to form 困った.
困ったときはすぐに先輩に相談してください。
When you are having trouble, please consult a senior right away.
とき
toki
[toh-kee]
time; when
Refers to a time or occasion, often translated as 'when'.
困ったときはすぐに先輩に相談してください。
When you are having trouble, please consult a senior right away.
は
wa
[wah]
topic marker
Marks the topic of the sentence.
困ったときはすぐに先輩に相談してください。
When you are having trouble, please consult a senior right away.
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