Japanese grammar
What does ～がてら mean? Japanese grammar N1
～がてら means while doing…; on the occasion of….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + がてら Vます形 + がてら |
| Romaji | gatera |
| Meaning | while doing…; on the occasion of… |
Forming it
| Noun | 散歩 + がてら |
|---|---|
| Verb (masu-stem) | 買い物し + がてら |
How to use it
Doing the main activity A while also taking the chance to do B; both activities happen on the same trip/occasion.
- 「～がてら」 = while doing A, also take the opportunity to do B: two activities combined into one trip/occasion.
- The preceding clause is usually an activity involving MOVEMENT or an existing activity (散歩・買い物・見舞い).
- Close to 「～ついでに」 (colloquial, more common); 「がてら」 is somewhat literary, and the following clause is usually in the same direction as the preceding one.
Examples
散歩がてら、近所の公園まで歩いた。
While out for a walk, I strolled over to the neighborhood park.
買い物がてら、友達の家に寄った。
On my shopping trip, I dropped by a friend’s place.
Keep in mind
- A noun attaches directly; a verb uses the masu-stem.
- Both activities must be doable on the same occasion.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong寝るがてら、本を読んだ。
I read a book before going to sleep.
Correct寝る前に本を読んだ。
「がてら」 combines two activities into ONE occasion/trip; it's not used for activities that can't be combined.
-
Wrong買い物するがてら、友達に会った。
While out shopping, I also ran into a friend.
Correct買い物がてら、友達に会った。
A noun attaches directly; a verb must use the MASU-STEM (買い物しがてら), not the dictionary form.
Exam tips
- 「がてら」 = doing something along the way (one occasion); nouns attach directly, verbs use the masu-stem.