What does ～かたがた mean? Japanese grammar N1

Forming it

How to use it

Going to do the main activity N while also taking care of a second activity at the same time. Extremely formal — used in correspondence and ceremonial contexts.

• 「Nかたがた」 = "on the occasion of N" (and also to do the other thing). N is limited to ceremonial nouns: お礼・お見舞い・ご挨拶・報告・お詫び.
• The following clause is usually a humble verb of visiting: 「伺う・参る・訪問する」 — 「お礼かたがたご挨拶に伺いました」.
• Compared to close relatives: 「がてら」 is used for everyday activities (散歩がてら), and 「ついでに」 is colloquial. 「かたがた」 is the most formal.

Examples

• お礼(れい)かたがた、ご挨拶(あいさつ)に伺(うかが)いました。

  I came to greet you and also to express my thanks.

• 散歩(さんぽ)かたがた、駅(えき)まで行(い)ってきます。

  I will walk to the station while taking a stroll.

Keep in mind

• Attaches directly to a noun — do not add 「に」.
• Not used in casual conversation.

Common mistakes

• Wrongお礼(れい)にかたがた伺(うかが)いました。

  Correctお礼(れい)かたがた伺(うかが)いました。

  An activity noun attaches directly to かたがた.

Exam tips

• 「かたがた」 = "on the occasion of" (ceremonial, most formal); 「がてら」 is more everyday.

Related patterns

• ～がてら
• ～ついでに
• ～を兼ねて