JLPT N1 Grammar
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While (at the same time; formal)
Category: Time and Sequence
The grammar pattern "名詞 + かたがた" is used to express that one action serves two purposes, often in formal situations. It implies that the action is being performed while also fulfilling another purpose. This pattern is commonly used in greetings, apologies, or formal visits. For example, "先日のお礼かたがた、ご挨拶に伺いました" means "I visited you at the same time as expressing my gratitude for your recent kindness." The nuance of this pattern lies in its ability to convey a sense of simultaneous action and purpose.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nominalizer (, , etc.) | 名詞 + かたがた | 先日のお礼かたがた、ご挨拶に伺いました |
| Noun in the nominative case | 名詞 + かたがた | 出張かたがた、京都の古い知人を訪ねることにした |
| Noun in the accusative case | 名詞 + かたがた | 散歩かたがた、お近くまで参りましたので寄らせていただきました |
先日のお礼かたがた、ご挨拶に伺いました。
Makiyo no o-yarikata katta, go-aisatsu ni mairimashita.
I visited you at the same time as expressing my gratitude for your recent kindness.
先日のお礼 (recent kindness) + かたがた (at the same time) + ご挨拶に伺いました (visited you)
出張かたがた、京都の古い知人を訪ねることにした。
Shutsugyō katta, Kyōto no furui tomodachi o oite ni suru koto ni shita.
I decided to visit an old acquaintance in Kyoto at the same time as my business trip.
出張 (business trip) + かたがた (at the same time) + 京都の古い知人を訪ねる (visit an old acquaintance)
散歩かたがた、お近くまで参りましたので寄らせていただきました。
Sanpō katta, o-chikaku made mairimashita node yorosete itadakimashita.
I came to visit you at the same time as taking a walk, so I'd like to express my gratitude.
散歩 (taking a walk) + かたがた (at the same time) + お近くまで参りました (came to visit you)
This pattern is used in formal situations, such as greetings, apologies, or formal visits. It is often used to express that one action serves two purposes. In terms of register, this pattern is formal and polite. It can be compared to the pattern ～がてら, which is less formal and often involves movement.
This pattern is too formal for casual conversations and may sound unnatural or pretentious.
This pattern requires a noun in the nominative or accusative case, not a verb.
～がてら is less formal and often involves movement, whereas this pattern is formal and emphasizes simultaneous action and purpose.
When using this pattern on the JLPT exam, pay close attention to the context and the formality of the situation. Make sure to use the correct form of the noun and understand the nuance of simultaneous action and purpose.
先日のお礼______、ご挨拶に伺いました。
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