Japanese grammar
What does ～かたわら mean? Japanese grammar N2
～かたわら means do a side job alongside one's main job.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる／Nの + かたわら |
| Romaji | katawara |
| Meaning | do a side job alongside one's main job |
Forming it
| Connection | Vる／Nの + かたわら |
|---|
How to use it
States that, besides one's MAIN job/role, one also does a secondary activity over a long period.
- 「～かたわら」 = alongside the main activity, also doing B. Both roles are LONG-TERM.
- Different from 「～ながら」 (two things at once, short-term, like eating while watching).
- A noun connects with 「の」; the subject of both clauses must be the same person.
Examples
会社で働くかたわら、夜は大学で学んでいる。
While working for a company, he studies at university at night.
父は農業のかたわら、地域活動もしている。
Alongside farming, my father also takes part in community activities.
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.
Keep in mind
- Two long-term roles, not two momentary activities.
- Nouns connect with 「の」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong農業にかたわら活動する。
Correct農業のかたわら活動する。
A noun connects to かたわら with の.
-
Wrongテレビを見るかたわら、ご飯を食べた。
I watched TV while eating.
Correctテレビを見ながら、ご飯を食べた。
Two things at once for a moment uses 「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 is a teacher, and alongside that he also writes novels.
Correct父は教師のかたわら、小説を書く。
A noun must connect with 「の」 before 「かたわら」.
Exam tips
- 「かたわら」 = besides the main job, also doing something else (long-term); different from 「ながら」 (simultaneous).