N2Simultaneous & Purpose

名詞＋がてら / 動詞ます形＋がてら

Q: Is "Using it for non-motion activities" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use other patterns like 'ついでに' or 'かたがた' for non-motion activities". This pattern is often used with verbs of motion, so using it for non-motion activities can be confusing or unnatural.

Q: Is "Confusing with 'かたがた'" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use 'かたがた' for more formal situations or to emphasize the convenience of the action". 'かたがた' is a more formal pattern that emphasizes the convenience of the action, so using it in informal situations can be confusing.

Q: Is "Using 'の' between the noun and 'がてら'" correct?

No. The correct form is "Attach 'がてら' directly to the noun". Using 'の' between the noun and 'がてら' is incorrect and can change the meaning of the sentence.

While doing (conveniently); at the same time as

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "名詞 + がてら / 動詞ます形 + がてら" is used to express that one action serves two purposes simultaneously. It is often used with verbs of motion like '散歩' or '買い物'. Unlike 'ついでに', the two purposes are often viewed as equally or closely related. This pattern emphasizes the convenience or simultaneous nature of the action.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Noun	名詞 + がてら	運動 + がてら
Verb in ます form	動詞ます形 + がてら	歩く + がてら
Noun and Verb in ます form	名詞 + がてら / 動詞ます形 + がてら	運動 + がてら / 歩く + がてら

Examples

Example Sentences

運動 + がてら、駅まで歩くことにした。

Undō + ga tera, eki made aruku koto ni shita.

I decided to walk to the station while doing some exercise.

運動 (exercise) + がてら (while doing) / 駅まで歩く (walk to the station)

遊び + がてら、一度私の家にも寄ってください。

Asobi + ga tera, ichido watashi no ie ni mo mairimasu.

Please come to my house while playing.

遊び (play) + がてら (while doing) / 一度私の家にも寄ってください (come to my house)

夕涼み + がてら、近くの公園まで行ってみよう。

Yūryōmi + ga tera, chikaku no kōen made ikimasu.

Let's go to the nearby park while enjoying the evening cool.

夕涼み (evening cool) + がてら (while doing) / 近くの公園まで行ってみよう (go to the nearby park)

買い物 + がてら、友達と会うことにした。

Kaimono + ga tera, tomodachi to au koto ni shita.

I decided to meet my friend while shopping.

買い物 (shopping) + がてら (while doing) / 友達と会う (meet my friend)

散歩 + がてら、近くの公園を見てみよう。

Sanpo + ga tera, chikaku no kōen o mite masu.

Let's see the nearby park while taking a walk.

散歩 (taking a walk) + がてら (while doing) / 近くの公園を見てみよう (see the nearby park)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to express that one action serves two purposes simultaneously. It is often used with verbs of motion like '散歩' or '買い物'. Unlike 'ついでに', the two purposes are often viewed as equally or closely related. This pattern emphasizes the convenience or simultaneous nature of the action. It is used in informal situations and is not suitable for formal writing or speaking.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using it for non-motion activities

Use other patterns like 'ついでに' or 'かたがた' for non-motion activities

This pattern is often used with verbs of motion, so using it for non-motion activities can be confusing or unnatural.

Confusing with 'かたがた'

Use 'かたがた' for more formal situations or to emphasize the convenience of the action

'かたがた' is a more formal pattern that emphasizes the convenience of the action, so using it in informal situations can be confusing.

Using 'の' between the noun and 'がてら'

Attach 'がてら' directly to the noun

Using 'の' between the noun and 'がてら' is incorrect and can change the meaning of the sentence.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use it correctly with verbs of motion and to emphasize the convenience or simultaneous nature of the action. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns like 'ついでに' or 'かたがた'.

In context