〜ともなると

When it comes to...; Once (something happens)...

1. Overview

「〜ともなると」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express that once a certain condition or situation is reached, a particular change or consequence will naturally follow. It emphasizes the inevitability of a situation occurring once a specific point is reached.

2. Structure

• Grammar Structure:

  • Noun + ともなると
  • Verb (dictionary form) + ともなると

• Explanation:

  • When someone or something reaches a particular state or situation, certain changes or consequences are bound to occur.

3. Usage Explanation

• Connection: It typically follows a noun or verb in its dictionary form to express that once a condition is met, a specific outcome is likely to happen.

• Usage: Commonly used in both spoken and written Japanese to indicate that reaching a particular phase or condition will inevitably lead to certain results.

• Translation: It is generally translated as "when it comes to..." or "once (something happens)."

4. Example Sentences

1. 社会人ともなると、責任が重くなる。
   When you become a working adult, responsibilities become heavier.

2. 結婚ともなると、簡単に決められない。
   When it comes to marriage, decisions can’t be made easily.

3. 有名人ともなると、自由に出かけるのも難しい。
   Once you become a celebrity, it’s hard to go out freely.

4. 親ともなると、子供の未来について深く考えなければならない。
   Once you become a parent, you must seriously think about your child’s future.

5. 大きな会社の社長ともなると、プレッシャーも大きい。
   When you become the president of a large company, the pressure is also greater.

5. Alternative Grammar

• 〜ともなれば: Similar to 「〜ともなると」, it also emphasizes a transition, but with a slightly stronger sense of inevitability in the transformation.

  • Example: 社会人ともなれば、時間に厳しくなる。
    When you become a working adult, you must be strict with time.

• 〜とすれば: Used for hypothetical scenarios, meaning "if (something happens)," with a more speculative tone compared to 「〜ともなると」.

  • Example: 旅行に行くとすれば、どこに行きたい？
    If we go on a trip, where would you like to go?

6. Related Grammar

• 〜となると: Indicates “if (something happens),” often used to discuss future possibilities or changes, with a more hypothetical tone.

  • Example: 旅行となると、費用が気になる。
    When it comes to traveling, I start to worry about the costs.

7. Key Points to Note

• Tone:

  • 「〜ともなると」 conveys a sense of inevitability, meaning that once a specific stage is reached, further development is almost unavoidable.

• Usage Context:

  • It is often used to highlight key turning points or significant changes, stressing a transition to a new stage or level.

8. Summary

「〜ともなると」 is a grammatical structure used to express that when a particular condition or situation is reached, a consequential change will naturally occur. It emphasizes the natural and inevitable progression of events. Related structures like 「〜となると」 and 「〜ともなれば」 carry similar meanings but differ in tone and usage context.