At a glance
Noun ともなると means "once (someone or something) reaches the stage of [noun]". It stresses that a notable status, age or time brings natural changes or expectations.
Noun + ともなると、[natural result or expectation]
部長ともなると、部下の失敗の責任も取らなければならない。 Once you become a department manager, you also have to take responsibility for your subordinates' mistakes.
How to form it
| Attaches to | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Noun (position, role) | 部長ともなると | once you are a department manager |
| Noun (age) | 四十歳ともなると | once you reach forty |
| Noun (time, season) | 夏休みともなると | when summer vacation comes |
| Noun (large number) | 千人ともなると | when it gets to a thousand people |
It usually attaches directly to a noun. Register: mostly written language and formal speech, but also heard in conversation.