Side
Edge, Brink
noun, suffix
Even though the kanji mainly means occasion, for some reason this word means side or edge. I suppose on occasion kanji takes you to the edge of what ought to make sense when it comes to kanji.
You're on the very edge of the world. You heard that at the edge of the world are the key words (きわ) written there in big fiery letters, telling you the meaning of life. Supposedly these are the words of God himself. They say: "We apologize for the inconvenience." WHAT? THESE ARE THE KEY WORDS???
Note that when 際 is used in this word to mean "edge," it's often written as きわ or キワ to avoid confusion with other 際 words that use different readings.
ガケの際に立っていたら、急に強い風がふいてきてドキッとした。
When I was standing at the edge of the cliff, suddenly a strong wind blew and it made my heart skip a beat.
窓際に一輪の花が飾ってある。
There is a flower decorating the side of the window.
この時計、ダイヤルの際のところの色がビミョーにうすくなってるね。
The color around the edge of the dial on this watch is subtly fading.
私は、リキッドライナーは、上まつ毛の上をなぞるようにして、上まぶたの際に引くようにしています。
I use a liquid liner to trace along my upper lashes and draw a line along the edge of my upper eyelid.