Welcome to today’s N1 grammar lesson! In this post, we’ll explore the expression ～かたわら, which is commonly used in formal or written Japanese to express doing two activities in parallel — usually with one being the main activity and the other being a side pursuit.
📘 Meaning
～かたわら means “while doing A, also doing B”. It is used to describe someone who is engaged in a main job, study, or activity, and at the same time doing another activity, often as a secondary role, hobby, or side job.
Note: ～かたわら is different from ～ながら.
- ～ながら → Two actions done at the same time (simultaneous, momentary)
- ～かたわら → Two roles or ongoing activities done in parallel (more long-term)
🧩 Formation
- Verb (dictionary form) + かたわら
- Noun + の + かたわら
✅ Example Sentences
彼は会社に勤めるかたわら、小説を書いている。
He works at a company while writing novels on the side.
彼女は大学で教えるかたわら、翻訳の仕事もしている。
She teaches at a university and also works as a translator.
父は農業のかたわら、村の議員も務めている。
My father is a farmer and also serves as a village council member.
私は大学で経済を学ぶかたわら、英語教師としてアルバイトをしていた。
While studying economics at university, I worked part-time as an English teacher.
彼は研究のかたわら、地域の歴史保存活動にも携わっている。
In addition to his research, he is also involved in local historical preservation activities.
📝 Usage Tips
- Used mainly in formal or written Japanese.
- Emphasizes the coexistence of two long-term activities, one being the primary.
- Often used to show a person’s versatility or commitment.
💡 Common Mistakes
❌ 彼は料理を作るかたわら、テレビを見ていた。
🚫 This is incorrect because the actions are simultaneous and short-term. Use ～ながら instead.
✅ 彼は料理を作りながら、テレビを見ていた。
🧠 Mini Quiz
Choose the correct usage of ～かたわら in the following sentences:
- 彼は（ ）かたわら、ジャズバンドでも演奏している。
a. 音楽を聴く
b. 銀行で働く
c. 歩く - 私は研究のかたわら、（ ）も書いています。
a. 論文
b. 音楽を聞いて
c. 道を歩いて
✍️ Practice
Try writing your own sentences using ～かたわら:
1. ________________________________________
2. ________________________________________
Tips:
- Think of your main activity (work, study, etc.)
- Then add something you also do alongside it
🔚 Conclusion
～かたわら is a useful grammar point to express how someone skillfully balances multiple responsibilities or interests. It’s formal, elegant, and shows the multifaceted nature of people’s lives. Mastering this grammar will boost your ability to write and understand high-level Japanese!
Keep practicing, and don’t forget to try writing your own examples in the comments if you’re studying with friends or a teacher!
