Understanding 〜ついでに in Japanese Grammar

The Japanese grammar structure 〜ついでに (〜tsuide ni) is an essential phrase used to indicate doing something while doing something else or taking advantage of an opportunity. It is often translated as “while you’re at it” or “on the occasion of” in English. This structure is extremely useful in daily conversations, making speech more natural and efficient.

In this blog post, we will delve deep into the formation, usage, and various situations where 〜ついでに is used. We will also provide comprehensive lists of verbs, nouns, and adjectives that can be used with this form, along with example sentences and exercises to reinforce learning.

Formation of 〜ついでに

The formation of 〜ついでに differs depending on whether it is attached to a verb, noun, or adjective.

1. With Verbs:

• Verb (dictionary form) + ついでに
• Verb (た-form) + ついでに

Example:

• 買い物をする ついでに、郵便局に寄る。
• Kaikmono o suru tsuide ni, yūbinkyoku ni yoru.
• (While shopping, I’ll stop by the post office.)

2. With Nouns:

• Noun + の + ついでに

Example:

• 出張 のついでに、観光をする。
• Shucchō no tsuide ni, kankō o suru.
• (While on a business trip, I will do some sightseeing.)

3. With Adjectives:

• Adjectives are not commonly used with ついでに because the structure typically pairs with verbs and nouns to describe actions. However, adjectives can be incorporated if they modify a noun that fits this pattern.

Situations where 〜ついでに is used

1. Running an Errand and Doing Something Extra
   • Example: 買い物のついでに、郵便局に寄りました。
   • Romaji: Kaimono no tsuide ni, yūbinkyoku ni yorimashita.
   • English: While shopping, I stopped by the post office.
2. Traveling and Taking the Opportunity for Another Activity
   • Example: 出張のついでに、有名な観光地を訪れました。
   • Romaji: Shutchō no tsuide ni, yūmei na kankōchi o otozuremashita.
   • English: While on a business trip, I visited a famous tourist spot.
3. Household Chores and Completing Another Task
   • Example: 掃除のついでに、家具の配置を変えました。
   • Romaji: Sōji no tsuide ni, kagu no haichi o kaemashita.
   • English: While cleaning, I changed the arrangement of the furniture.
4. Studying and Doing Extra Learning
   • Example: 日本語を勉強するついでに、漢字も覚えました。
   • Romaji: Nihongo o benkyō suru tsuide ni, kanji mo oboemashita.
   • English: While studying Japanese, I also memorized kanji.
5. Going Out and Buying Something Unexpected
   • Example: 散歩のついでに、コンビニでアイスを買いました。
   • Romaji: Sanpo no tsuide ni, konbini de aisu o kaimashita。
   • English: While taking a walk, I bought ice cream at the convenience store.
6. Visiting Someone and Doing Something Else
   • Example: 友達の家に行くついでに、お土産を買いました。
   • Romaji: Tomodachi no ie ni iku tsuide ni, omiyage o kaimashita.
   • English: While going to my friend’s house, I bought a souvenir.
7. Work-related Task and Doing Personal Work
   • Example: 会議に行くついでに、新しいノートを買いました。
   • Romaji: Kaigi ni iku tsuide ni, atarashii nōto o kaimashita.
   • English: While going to a meeting, I bought a new notebook.
8. Online Shopping and Buying Additional Items
   • Example: 洋服を注文するついでに、新しい靴も買いました。
   • Romaji: Yōfuku o chūmon suru tsuide ni, atarashii kutsu mo kaimashita.
   • English: While ordering clothes, I also bought new shoes.
9. Attending an Event and Doing Another Activity Nearby
   • Example: コンサートに行くついでに、美術館にも寄りました。
   • Romaji: Konsāto ni iku tsuide ni, bijutsukan ni mo yorimashita.
   • English: While going to a concert, I also stopped by the art museum.
10. Cooking and Preparing Something Extra

• Example: 夕飯を作るついでに、お弁当の準備もしました。
• Romaji: Yūhan o tsukuru tsuide ni, obentō no junbi mo shimashita.
• English: While making dinner, I also prepared a bento.

Common Expressions Using 〜ついでに

Here are some commonly used expressions with 〜ついでに, which are frequently used in daily life:

1. 〜のついでに (no tsuide ni) – While doing ~, take the opportunity to ~

• Example: 買い物のついでに、銀行にも行きました。
• Romaji: Kaimono no tsuide ni, ginkō ni mo ikimashita.
• English: While shopping, I also went to the bank.

2. 〜へ行くついでに (e iku tsuide ni) – While going to ~, do something extra

• Example: 駅へ行くついでに、本屋に寄った。
• Romaji: Eki e iku tsuide ni, honya ni yotta.
• English: While going to the station, I stopped by a bookstore.

3. 〜を買うついでに (o kau tsuide ni) – While buying ~, get something extra

• Example: 牛乳を買うついでに、パンも買いました。
• Romaji: Gyūnyū o kau tsuide ni, pan mo kaimashita.
• English: While buying milk, I also bought bread.

4. 〜を調べるついでに (o shiraberu tsuide ni) – While looking up ~, check something else

• Example: 宿題を調べるついでに、新しい単語も覚えました。
• Romaji: Shukudai o shiraberu tsuide ni, atarashii tango mo oboemashita.
• English: While looking up my homework, I also learned new words.

5. 〜を掃除するついでに (o sōji suru tsuide ni) – While cleaning ~, do something extra

• Example: 部屋を掃除するついでに、窓も拭きました。
• Romaji: Heya o sōji suru tsuide ni, mado mo fukimashita.
• English: While cleaning my room, I also wiped the windows.

6. 〜の準備をするついでに (no junbi o suru tsuide ni) – While preparing for ~, prepare something else

• Example: 旅行の準備をするついでに、買い物リストを作りました。
• Romaji: Ryokō no junbi o suru tsuide ni, kaimono risuto o tsukurimashita.
• English: While preparing for the trip, I also made a shopping list.

7. 〜に行ったついでに (ni itta tsuide ni) – Since I went to ~, I also did ~

• Example: 病院に行ったついでに、薬を買いました。
• Romaji: Byōin ni itta tsuide ni, kusuri o kaimashita.
• English: Since I went to the hospital, I also bought medicine.

8. 〜と話すついでに (to hanasu tsuide ni) – While talking with ~, mention something else

• Example: 先生と話すついでに、宿題について聞きました。
• Romaji: Sensei to hanasu tsuide ni, shukudai ni tsuite kikimashita.
• English: While talking with my teacher, I also asked about the homework.

9. 〜を作るついでに (o tsukuru tsuide ni) – While making ~, prepare something else

• Example: 晩ご飯を作るついでに、お弁当も作りました。
• Romaji: Bangohan o tsukuru tsuide ni, obentō mo tsukurimashita.
• English: While making dinner, I also prepared a bento.

10. 〜を整理するついでに (o seiri suru tsuide ni) – While organizing ~, do extra cleaning

• Example: 書類を整理するついでに、古いものを捨てました。
• Romaji: Shorui o seiri suru tsuide ni, furui mono o sutemashita.
• English: While organizing documents, I also threw away old ones.

Grammar Rules

When using 〜ついでに, there are several grammar points to keep in mind to ensure correct and natural usage. Below are the key rules and explanations with example sentences.

1. The Main Action Should Be Intentional

The first action (before ついでに) must be something intentional, not something that happens accidentally or beyond one’s control.

❌ 雨が降ったついでに、傘を買いました。 (Ame ga futta tsuide ni, kasa o kaimashita.)
🚫 Incorrect because “rain falling” is not intentional.

✅ 買い物のついでに、傘を買いました。 (Kaimono no tsuide ni, kasa o kaimashita.)
✔ Correct because “shopping” is intentional.
💬 English: While shopping, I bought an umbrella.

2. The Second Action Should Be Conveniently Done

The second action (after ついでに) should be something that can be conveniently done along with the first action.

✅ 郵便局へ行くついでに、切手を買った。 (Yūbinkyoku e iku tsuide ni, kitte o katta.)
✔ Correct because buying stamps is related to going to the post office.
💬 English: While going to the post office, I bought stamps.

❌ 郵便局へ行くついでに、ゲームをした。 (Yūbinkyoku e iku tsuide ni, gēmu o shita.)
🚫 Incorrect because playing games is unrelated to going to the post office.

3. The First Action Should Be the Primary Purpose

The action before ついでに should be the main purpose, while the action after ついでに should be secondary.

✅ 図書館へ行くついでに、スーパーに寄った。 (Toshokan e iku tsuide ni, sūpā ni yotta.)
✔ Correct because the main purpose is going to the library, and stopping at the supermarket is secondary.
💬 English: While going to the library, I stopped by the supermarket.

❌ スーパーに行くついでに、図書館へ行った。 (Sūpā ni iku tsuide ni, toshokan e itta.)
🚫 Incorrect if the main purpose is the supermarket but the library is the more significant action.

4. Actions Must Happen in the Same General Timeframe

Both actions should take place around the same time and in a way that makes it natural to do them together.

✅ 旅行するついでに、友達に会った。 (Ryokō suru tsuide ni, tomodachi ni atta.)
✔ Correct because meeting a friend can happen during a trip.
💬 English: While traveling, I met a friend.

❌ 子供の頃、ピアノを習っていたついでに、今も練習している。 (Kodomo no koro, piano o naratte ita tsuide ni, ima mo renshū shite iru.)
🚫 Incorrect because the two actions occur at very different times.

5. Cannot Be Used for Completely Unrelated Actions

The second action should naturally fit with the first one. If they are too unrelated, ついでに is not appropriate.

✅ カフェに行くついでに、本を借りた。 (Kafe ni iku tsuide ni, hon o karita.)
✔ Correct because borrowing a book and going to a café could naturally be done together.
💬 English: While going to a café, I borrowed a book.

❌ カフェに行くついでに、テレビを見た。 (Kafe ni iku tsuide ni, terebi o mita.)
🚫 Incorrect because watching TV and going to a café are unrelated.

6. Cannot Be Used When the Second Action Is More Important

If the second action is the primary goal, ついでに is not appropriate.

✅ 公園を散歩するついでに、ゴミを拾った。 (Kōen o sanpo suru tsuide ni, gomi o hirotta.)
✔ Correct because the main purpose is the walk, and picking up trash is secondary.
💬 English: While taking a walk in the park, I picked up trash.

❌ ゴミを拾うついでに、公園を散歩した。 (Gomi o hirou tsuide ni, kōen o sanpo shita.)
🚫 Incorrect if picking up trash is the main purpose.

7. Cannot Be Used for Hypothetical or Future Plans Alone

ついでに is typically used when the action is planned or happening, not for abstract future possibilities.

✅ 出張に行くついでに、お土産を買うつもりだ。 (Shutchō ni iku tsuide ni, omiyage o kau tsumori da.)
✔ Correct because the business trip is planned, and buying souvenirs is a side plan.
💬 English: While going on a business trip, I plan to buy souvenirs.

❌ いつか旅行するついでに、世界中を回りたい。 (Itsuka ryokō suru tsuide ni, sekaijū o mawaritai.)
🚫 Incorrect because “someday traveling” is too uncertain.

Things to Keep in Mind

When using 〜ついでに, there are some tricky points and exceptions to be aware of. Here are the most important things to keep in mind:

1. The First Action Must Be Intentional

• The main action (before ついでに) must be something planned or intentional.
• Accidental events or natural phenomena (like rain, earthquakes, or getting sick) cannot be used with ついでに.

✅ 銀行へ行くついでに、スーパーにも寄った。

• Romaji: Ginkō e iku tsuide ni, sūpā ni mo yotta.
• English: While going to the bank, I also stopped by the supermarket.

❌ 雨が降るついでに、コンビニに行った。

• Romaji: Ame ga furu tsuide ni, konbini ni itta.
• English: (Incorrect) Since it was raining, I went to the convenience store. 🚫 (Incorrect because rain is not intentional.)

2. The Two Actions Should Be Related or Conveniently Done Together

• The second action (after ついでに) should be something that naturally fits with the first action.
• Completely unrelated actions sound unnatural.

✅ 図書館へ行くついでに、本屋で雑誌を買った。

• Romaji: Toshokan e iku tsuide ni, honya de zasshi o katta.
• English: While going to the library, I bought a magazine at the bookstore.

❌ 図書館へ行くついでに、映画を観た。

• Romaji: Toshokan e iku tsuide ni, eiga o mita.
• English: (Incorrect) While going to the library, I watched a movie. 🚫 (Unrelated actions.)

3. Cannot Be Used for Sequential or Dependent Actions

• The second action must be something you do along the way, not something that depends on the first action.
• If you must complete the first action before doing the second, ついでに is not appropriate.

✅ コンビニに行くついでに、ATMでお金をおろした。

• Romaji: Konbini ni iku tsuide ni, ATM de okane o oroshita.
• English: While going to the convenience store, I withdrew money from the ATM.

❌ ご飯を作るついでに、お米を買った。

• Romaji: Gohan o tsukuru tsuide ni, okome o katta.
• English: (Incorrect) While making rice, I bought rice. 🚫 (You need rice before making it, so the actions are dependent.)

4. The Second Action Must Be Less Important

• The first action is the main purpose, and the second action is secondary.
• If the second action is more important, use a different structure like ついでにではなく、むしろ (tsuide ni de wa naku, mushiro – rather than ~, I mainly did ~).

✅ 会議に行くついでに、新しいノートを買った。

• Romaji: Kaigi ni iku tsuide ni, atarashii nōto o katta.
• English: While going to the meeting, I bought a new notebook.

❌ 新しいノートを買うついでに、会議に行った。

• Romaji: Atarashii nōto o kau tsuide ni, kaigi ni itta.
• English: (Incorrect) While buying a new notebook, I went to the meeting. 🚫 (If the real purpose was the meeting, this sounds unnatural.)

5. The Actions Must Happen in the Same Timeframe

• ついでに cannot be used for actions that happen at completely different times.
• If the second action happens much later, use そのあとで (sono ato de – after that) instead.

✅ 旅行するついでに、友達に会った。

• Romaji: Ryokō suru tsuide ni, tomodachi ni atta.
• English: While traveling, I met a friend.

❌ 旅行するついでに、半年後に友達に会った。

• Romaji: Ryokō suru tsuide ni, hantoshi go ni tomodachi ni atta.
• English: (Incorrect) While traveling, I met a friend six months later. 🚫 (The timing is too different.)

6. Avoid Using ついでに with Hypothetical or Distant Future Actions

• ついでに is used when the first action is already planned or happening soon.
• If the first action is uncertain or just a vague future idea, ついでに sounds unnatural.

✅ 出張に行くついでに、お土産を買うつもりだ。

• Romaji: Shutchō ni iku tsuide ni, omiyage o kau tsumori da.
• English: While going on a business trip, I plan to buy souvenirs.

❌ いつか旅行するついでに、世界中を回りたい。

• Romaji: Itsuka ryokō suru tsuide ni, sekaijū o mawaritai.
• English: (Incorrect) Someday, while traveling, I want to go around the world. 🚫 (The first action is uncertain.)

7. Cannot Be Used for Giving or Receiving Favors from Others

• ついでに is often used when talking about your own actions.
• If you’re asking someone else for a favor, use ついでに〜してくれる？ (tsuide ni ~ shite kureru?) instead.

✅ 郵便局へ行くついでに、手紙を出してくれる？

• Romaji: Yūbinkyoku e iku tsuide ni, tegami o dashite kureru?
• English: While going to the post office, can you mail my letter?

❌ 郵便局へ行くついでに、手紙を出してもらった。

• Romaji: Yūbinkyoku e iku tsuide ni, tegami o dashite moratta.
• English: (Incorrect) While going to the post office, I had someone mail my letter. 🚫 (Sounds unnatural; use a different phrasing like 頼んだ – tanonda, “I asked them.”)

8. Cannot Be Used When the Two Actions Have No Clear Connection

• ついでに works best when the second action is a natural extension of the first.
• If the second action has no obvious link to the first, it sounds awkward.

✅ 東京に行くついでに、スカイツリーを見に行った。

• Romaji: Tōkyō ni iku tsuide ni, Sukaitsurī o mi ni itta.
• English: While going to Tokyo, I went to see the Skytree.

❌ 東京に行くついでに、新しいパソコンを買った。

• Romaji: Tōkyō ni iku tsuide ni, atarashii pasokon o katta.
• English: (Incorrect) While going to Tokyo, I bought a new laptop. 🚫 (Unless Tokyo is directly related to buying the laptop, this sounds random.)

Final Tip: If in Doubt, Ask “Does This Feel Like an Extra Task?”

If you’re unsure whether ついでに is appropriate, ask yourself:

✅ “Does the second action feel like a small, extra task that naturally fits with the first?”
If yes → Use ついでに.
If no → Choose a different structure (like そのあとで, 〜ながら, or 〜たら).

Example Table

Here is a table with example sentences using 〜ついでに for better understanding.

More Example Sentences

Here are 10 additional sentences using 〜ついでに, along with romaji and English translations for practice.

1. 駅へ行くついでに、コンビニで飲み物を買いました。
   Eki e iku tsuide ni, konbini de nomimono o kaimashita.
   (While going to the station, I bought a drink at the convenience store.)
2. 散歩のついでに、花屋に寄ってみた。
   Sanpo no tsuide ni, hanaya ni yotte mita.
   (While taking a walk, I stopped by the flower shop.)
3. 旅行するついでに、美術館を訪れました。
   Ryokō suru tsuide ni, bijutsukan o otozuremashita.
   (While traveling, I visited an art museum.)
4. 郵便局へ行くついでに、図書館で本を返しました。
   Yūbinkyoku e iku tsuide ni, toshokan de hon o kaeshimashita.
   (While going to the post office, I returned a book to the library.)
5. 東京に行くついでに、ディズニーランドにも行こうと思う。
   Tōkyō ni iku tsuide ni, Dizunīrando ni mo ikō to omou.
   (While going to Tokyo, I plan to visit Disneyland as well.)
6. 昼ごはんを食べるついでに、コーヒーも注文した。
   Hirugohan o taberu tsuide ni, kōhī mo chūmon shita.
   (While having lunch, I also ordered coffee.)
7. 買い物のついでに、クリーニングを出してきた。
   Kaimono no tsuide ni, kurīningu o dashite kita.
   (While shopping, I dropped off my laundry.)
8. 帰宅するついでに、パン屋でクロワッサンを買った。
   Kitaku suru tsuide ni, pan’ya de kurowassan o katta.
   (While going home, I bought a croissant at the bakery.)
9. 母に会うついでに、祖母の家にも寄った。
   Haha ni au tsuide ni, sobo no ie ni mo yotta.
   (While visiting my mother, I also stopped by my grandmother’s house.)
10. 大阪へ行くついでに、京都で一泊することにした。
    Ōsaka e iku tsuide ni, Kyōto de ippaku suru koto ni shita.
    (While going to Osaka, I decided to stay one night in Kyoto.)

These examples showcase different ways 〜ついでに can be used naturally in daily conversation. Let me know in the comment below if you need any further clarification on the topic! 😊

Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct 〜ついでに form using the given verb or noun in parentheses.

Fill in the Blanks

1. スーパーへ______、お菓子も買いました。（行く）
2. 仕事の______、郵便局で荷物を送りました。（帰り）
3. 映画館へ______、ポップコーンを買いました。（行く）
4. 東京に______、友達にも会う予定です。（旅行する）
5. 買い物の______、新しい靴も試しました。（買い物）
6. 図書館へ______、コーヒーを買ってきた。（行く）
7. 大阪へ______、京都に寄るつもりです。（行く）
8. 散歩の______、スーパーで牛乳を買ってきてください。（散歩）
9. 駅へ______、手紙をポストに入れました。（行く）
10. 料理を______、冷蔵庫を掃除しました。（作る）

Answers

1. スーパーへ 行くついでに、お菓子も買いました。
   Suupaa e iku tsuide ni, okashi mo kaimashita.
   (While going to the supermarket, I also bought some snacks.)
2. 仕事の 帰りついでに、郵便局で荷物を送りました。
   Shigoto no kaeri tsuide ni, yūbinkyoku de nimotsu o okurimashita.
   (While coming back from work, I sent a package at the post office.)
3. 映画館へ 行くついでに、ポップコーンを買いました。
   Eigakan e iku tsuide ni, poppukōn o kaimashita.
   (While going to the movie theater, I bought some popcorn.)
4. 東京に 旅行するついでに、友達にも会う予定です。
   Tōkyō ni ryokō suru tsuide ni, tomodachi ni mo au yotei desu.
   (While traveling to Tokyo, I plan to meet my friend as well.)
5. 買い物の ついでに、新しい靴も試しました。
   Kaimono no tsuide ni, atarashii kutsu mo tameshimashita.
   (While shopping, I also tried on new shoes.)
6. 図書館へ 行くついでに、コーヒーを買ってきた。
   Toshokan e iku tsuide ni, kōhī o katte kita.
   (While going to the library, I bought some coffee.)
7. 大阪へ 行くついでに、京都に寄るつもりです。
   Ōsaka e iku tsuide ni, Kyōto ni yoru tsumori desu.
   (While going to Osaka, I plan to stop by Kyoto.)
8. 散歩の ついでに、スーパーで牛乳を買ってきてください。
   Sanpo no tsuide ni, sūpā de gyūnyū o katte kite kudasai.
   (While taking a walk, please buy some milk from the supermarket.)
9. 駅へ 行くついでに、手紙をポストに入れました。
   Eki e iku tsuide ni, tegami o posuto ni iremashita.
   (While going to the station, I put the letter in the mailbox.)
10. 料理を 作るついでに、冷蔵庫を掃除しました。
    Ryōri o tsukuru tsuide ni, reizōko o sōji shimashita.
    (While cooking, I cleaned the refrigerator.)

Conclusion

In this blog, we explored the grammar point 〜ついでに, which is commonly used to express doing something extra while performing a main action. We covered various situations where 〜ついでに is used, common expressions, important grammar rules, and things to keep in mind while using this structure. Additionally, we provided numerous example sentences and an exercise section to help reinforce your understanding.

By mastering 〜ついでに, you can make your Japanese conversations more natural and efficient. Whether you’re talking about running errands, making plans, or simply adding extra actions to your routine, this grammar structure will be a valuable tool in your language learning journey.

Keep practicing with real-life situations, and soon you’ll be using 〜ついでに effortlessly in your Japanese conversations!

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Happy learning! 😊

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