Japanese grammar
What does ～ついでに mean? Japanese grammar N3
～ついでに means while doing A, taking the opportunity to do B.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる／Vた + ついでに Nの + ついでに |
| Romaji | tsuideni |
| Meaning | while doing A, taking the opportunity to do B |
Forming it
| Noun | 散歩 → 散歩のついでに |
|---|---|
| Verb | 行く → 行くついでに／借りた → 借りたついでに |
How to use it
While/having done the main task A, take the opportunity to also do B. B is a MINOR task, smaller than A.
- 「ついでに」 = while you're at it. The main task must be A: 「買い物に行くついでに、郵便局に寄る」 — the purpose of going out is shopping, stopping by the post office is just convenient along the way.
- If B is actually the main purpose, the sentence is logically wrong — this is the most common mistake with this pattern.
- Nouns connect via 「の」: 「散歩のついでに」. More formal alternatives are 「がてら」 (N2) and 「かたがた」 (N1, formal/ceremonial).
Examples
買い物に行くついでに、郵便局で手紙を出しておきます。
While I'm out shopping, I'll mail the letter at the post office.
図書館へ本を返しに行ったついでに、雑誌も借りてきた。
While returning books at the library, I also borrowed a magazine.
Keep in mind
- A is the main task; B is done opportunistically alongside it.
- Nouns connect via 「の」.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong郵便局に行くついでに、買い物をたくさんしました。
While out shopping, I dropped by the post office too.
Correct買い物に行くついでに、郵便局にも寄りました。
The task before 「ついでに」 must be the MAIN task; the minor task goes in the clause after.
-
Wrong散歩ついでに、パンを買った。
While out for a walk, I bought some bread too.
Correct散歩のついでに、パンを買った。
Nouns must connect via 「の」.
Exam tips
- 「ついでに」 = while you're at it (A is the main task); nouns need 「の」.