# かたがた: while; at the same time; incidentally; for the purpose of ~ > Learn how to use かたがた, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning while; at the same time; incidentally, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-katagata/ **かたがた** means **while; at the same time; incidentally; for the purpose of ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to express that one action is done while taking the opportunity to do another, often in formal or written contexts. This grammar point appears in business letters, formal speeches, polite conversation, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you want to express doing two things simultaneously where one is the main action and the other is a polite, incidental addition, **かたがた** is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese. ## What does かたがた mean? Use **かたがた** when you want to express that one action is done while taking the opportunity to do another, often in formal or written contexts. Natural translations include: - while; at the same time; incidentally; for the purpose of ~ The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice the writer's or speaker's purpose first, then choose the English phrase that fits that context. ## How to form かたがた
Verb-stem
+
かたがた
Noun + かたがた
Examples of the pattern: - お礼(れい)かたがた (お礼(れい) + かたがた) - 報告(ほうこく)かたがた (報告(ほうこく) + かたがた) The form before the grammar point matters. In JLPT questions, the wrong answer choices often use a similar meaning but attach it to the wrong type of word. ## When is かたがた used? Use **かたがた** in situations like: - sending a formal letter or email and mentioning an additional purpose - making a polite visit where you combine two purposes (e.g., expressing gratitude and giving a status update) - expressing personal intentions in formal writing or speech Tone and register: - formal, polite, often used in written correspondence and ceremonial speech - Common in business letters, official announcements, and JLPT N1 reading ## かたがた example sentences
お礼(れい)かたがた、状況(じょうきょう)をご報告(ほうこく)します。
While expressing my gratitude, I will update you on the situation.
formal letter
散歩(さんぽ)かたがた、近く(ちかく)の郵便局(ゆうびんきょく)に行っ(いっ)てきた。
I went for a walk and, while I was at it, went to the nearby post office.
informal spoken
お見舞い(みまい)かたがた、近頃(ちかごろ)の出来事(できごと)をお話(はなし)ししました。
While paying a visit to the sick, I caught them up on recent events.
polite conversation
就職(しゅうしょく)の挨拶(あいさつ)かたがた、母校(ぼこう)を訪問(ほうもん)しました。
I visited my old school to pay a formal greeting for my new job and incidentally to see the campus.
formal
ご報告(ほうこく)かたがた、お礼(れい)申(さる)し上(うえ)げます。
I am writing to report to you, and to express my sincere thanks at the same time.
written correspondence
After reading each sentence, ask what job **かたがた** is doing: one action is done while taking the opportunity to do another. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of かたがた The key nuance is **formally combining a main purpose with an incidental, often polite, secondary action**. This matters because learners often translate advanced grammar too literally. A pattern may look simple, but it can signal the writer's attitude, the relationship between two actions, and the level of formality. For example: - It is rarely used for negative or critical statements; it implies a constructive or neutral additional purpose. - Compared with **かたわら**, it focuses on a single occasion rather than a habitual dual activity. ## かたがた vs かたわら Both **かたがた** and **かたわら** can express doing two things at once, but they are different.
かたがた
taking the opportunity to do something while performing the main action
one-time occasion, formal, polite letter or visit
vs
かたわら
doing one thing while continuously engaging in another
habitual dual activities, often work or study alongside another role
Quick contrast examples: - お礼(れい)かたがた状況(じょうきょう)を報告(ほうこく)した。 (a one-time letter combining thanks and report) - 会社(かいしゃ)で働く(はたらく)かたわら、夜間(やかん)学校(がっこう)に通っ(かよっ)た。 (habitual: working while attending night school) If both translations seem possible, check whether the situation is a single, formal occasion or an ongoing dual activity. The formality level also tips the scale: **かたがた** feels distinctly polite. ## Common mistakes with かたがた
❌ 遊び(あそび)かたがた、文句(もんく)を言っ(いっ)た。
✅ お礼(れい)かたがた、近況(きんきょう)を報告(ほうこく)しました。
かたがた is rarely used for negative or complaining actions. It carries a positive, polite tone.
❌ 勉強(べんきょう)かたがた、毎日(まいにち)アルバイトをしている。
✅ 大学(だいがく)に通う(かよう)かたわら、アルバイトをしている。
Use かたわら for habitual simultaneous activities; かたがた for one-off opportunities.
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **かたがた**, then rewrite it with [かたわら](/blog/n1-katawara/). If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words. ## Is かたがた on the JLPT?
N1
Yes. かたがた is a classic JLPT N1 grammar point, appearing in reading comprehension, vocabulary-in-context, and sometimes grammar-choice questions.
Learners should be able to:
For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding formality and the incidental relationship between actions. ## Practice questions for かたがた
1
Write a formal email to your former teacher. Use かたがた to combine a thank-you with an update on your current life.
writing
2
Describe a visit you made where you had one main reason and a secondary polite purpose. Include かたがた.
speaking
3
Compare かたがた and かたわら with an example each, showing the difference in formality and frequency.
nuance
Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for かたがた To learn **かたがた** efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.
1
Memorize the attachment rules: Verb-stem / Noun + かたがた. Write 5 short phrases like お礼(れい)かたがた.
2
Compare it with [かたわら](/blog/n1-katawara/). Note how かたがた is for single, polite occasions; かたわら is for ongoing dual activities.
3
Read formal letters or email templates that use かたがた. Highlight every occurrence and identify the main and incidental actions.
4
Write your own formal message using かたがた. Have a native speaker or tutor check the politeness level.
5
Do JLPT N1 practice reading sections that contain compound sentences with this pattern. Time yourself.
## Related grammar to review next - [かたわら](/blog/n1-katawara/) — because it also pairs two actions, but describes habitual dual activity - [かれかれ](/blog/n1-kare-kare/) — because it similarly uses a doubled structure for temporal nuance - [かつて](/blog/n1-katsute/) — because it contrasts past and present, often used in formal statements - [からある・からする・からの](/blog/n1-kara-aru-kara-suru-kara-no/) — because it quantifies scale with a similar formal register ## Learn かたがた with Hane If you want to review **かたがた** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)