「〜かたわら」- While Doing Something

Explanation

「〜かたわら」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to indicate that someone is doing one main activity while also engaging in another activity. It is often used to describe situations where someone is involved in additional activities alongside their primary work or responsibilities.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
Noun + のかたわら	Noun + の + かたわら	Indicates doing another activity while engaged in a main activity.
Verb Attributive Form + かたわら	Verb Attributive Form + かたわら	Indicates doing another activity while engaged in a main activity.

Basic Usage

「〜かたわら」 is used to describe doing another activity while engaged in a main activity. It is typically used in formal or written contexts to express involvement in additional activities alongside primary responsibilities.

Examples

• 仕事しごとのかたわら、勉強べんきょうしている。
• Shigoto no katawara, benkyou shiteiru.
• While working, I am also studying.
  

• 彼かれは会社員かいしゃいんのかたわら、作家さっかとしても活動かつどうしている。
• Kare wa kaishain no katawara, sakka toshite mo katsudou shiteiru.
• While working as a company employee, he is also active as a writer.
  

• 彼女かのじょは主婦しゅふのかたわら、ボランティアぼらんてぃあをしている。
• Kanojo wa shufu no katawara, borantia o shiteiru.
• While being a housewife, she is also doing volunteer work.
  

• 先生せんせいは教えるおしえるかたわら、研究けんきゅうもしている。
• Sensei wa oshieru katawara, kenkyuu mo shiteiru.
• While teaching, the teacher is also conducting research.
  

Comparison and Differences

Although both 「〜かたわら」 and 「〜ながら」 can mean "while doing something," they differ in usage and tone.

Grammar Point	Usage Context	Tone
〜かたわら	Formal or written language	More formal
〜ながら	Everyday conversation	More casual

Example:

• 彼かれは音楽おんがくを聴くきくながら、勉強べんきょうしている。
• Kare wa ongaku o kiku nagara, benkyou shiteiru.
• He is studying while listening to music.
  

Deep Dive

「〜かたわら」 is primarily used to describe doing another activity while engaged in a main activity. It is typically used in formal or written contexts to express involvement in additional activities alongside primary responsibilities. Compared to 「〜ながら」, 「〜かたわら」 emphasizes the coexistence of two activities and carries a more formal tone.

Summary

「〜かたわら」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to indicate doing another activity while engaged in a main activity. It is typically used in formal or written contexts to express involvement in additional activities alongside primary responsibilities. Mastering this structure will help you better express your activities in formal settings.