Japanese grammar
What does ～かたわら mean? Japanese grammar N1
～かたわら means on the side; alongside one's main work.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V辞書形 + かたわら N + の + かたわら |
| Romaji | katawara |
| Meaning | on the side; alongside one's main work |
Forming it
| Noun | 会社員 + の + かたわら |
|---|---|
| Verb | 働く + かたわら |
How to use it
States that besides one's MAIN job/role, the subject also carries out a secondary activity over a long period. Written style.
- 「～かたわら」 = besides the MAIN activity (A), also doing B in parallel, usually over a long period (a side occupation, a secondary activity).
- Different from 「～ながら」 (two SIMULTANEOUS, short-term actions, like eating while watching): 「かたわら」 refers to two roles that continue over time.
- Nouns attach with 「の」.
Examples
彼は会社で働くかたわら、大学院に通っている。
Alongside working at a company, he attends graduate school.
父は教師のかたわら、小説を書いている。
Besides being a teacher, my father writes novels.
Keep in mind
- The subject of both clauses must be the SAME person.
- The main activity comes first, the secondary activity comes after.
Common mistakes
-
Wrongテレビを見るかたわら、ご飯を食べた。
I ate while watching TV.
Correctテレビを見ながら、ご飯を食べた。
Two SIMULTANEOUS momentary actions use 「ながら」; 「かたわら」 is for two long-term roles.
-
Wrong父は教師かたわら、小説を書く。
My father works as a teacher, and alongside that also writes novels.
Correct父は教師のかたわら、小説を書く。
A noun must attach with 「の」 before 「かたわら」.
Exam tips
- 「かたわら」 = besides one's main activity, also doing something else (long-term); different from 「ながら」 (simultaneous, short).