ときている

The grammar pattern ときている is used to highlight a characteristic, trait, or circumstance – often a negative or problematic one – and present it as an additional reason or contributing factor that makes a situation worse (or, less commonly, better). It carries a strong tone of criticism, exasperation, or emphasis, as if to say "and on top of that…" or "what's more…".

It is derived from と (quotative/conditional) + きている来ている (lit. "it has come to be"), conveying the nuance that "things have reached the point where…" or "given that it is the case that…".

Usage and Nuance

ときている is used to point out someone's inherent quality, habit, or a situational fact, and then connect it to a consequence or judgment – usually negative.

The clause before ときている states a fact or characteristic, and the surrounding context makes clear why this is noteworthy. Often the sentence continues with a result or conclusion:

Key Points

• Tone: This pattern is used in written or spoken commentary and carries a strong evaluative tone. It is most natural when the speaker is complaining, criticizing, or expressing frustration.
• Register: It is a literary or emphatic expression, common in essays, editorials, novels, and emphatic spoken commentary. It is characteristic of N1-level expressive grammar.
• Negative bias: While not strictly limited to negative traits, the vast majority of real usage involves pointing out something unfavorable or problematic.
• Similar patterns: It overlaps in meaning with 〜～うえ上に (in addition to) and 〜～しかも (moreover), but ときている adds a stronger sense of "and wouldn't you know it" or "to make matters worse."