〜ついでに

〜ついでに is a conjunction meaning while you're at it, used to connect clauses and express logical relationships between ideas. Japanese has a rich set of conjunctions that convey subtle differences in meaning — contrast, cause, concession, addition — and using them correctly makes your Japanese flow naturally.

This is an upper-intermediate pattern common in natural conversation and media like news, novels, and dramas.

When to Use#

• When doing an additional task while already doing something related
• When taking advantage of an opportunity to accomplish something extra

When NOT to Use#

• When a different nuance than "while you're at it" is intended — check the related patterns below

Example Sentences#

• 銀行に行くついでに、郵便局にも寄りました。 — While I was going to the bank, I also stopped by the post office.
• メールを送るついでに、受信箱も確認しました。 — While I was at it, I also checked my emails.
• 昼食を買いに行くついでに、コーヒーも買いました。 — While I went to buy lunch, I also bought coffee.

Practice#

Try reading these sentences aloud, then check the translation and vocabulary:

Common Mistakes#

1. Using 〜ついでに interchangeably with 〜ながら — These patterns are similar but not identical. 〜ながら (while doing ~) may be preferred in different contexts or registers.
2. Direct translation from English — The concept expressed by 〜ついでに may not map one-to-one with its English translation. Focus on understanding the Japanese usage through example sentences rather than relying on the English gloss.

Related Patterns#

• 〜ながら (while doing ~) — Similar