# かたわら: while; besides; at the same time; in addition > Learn how to use かたわら, a JLPT N1 Japanese grammar point meaning while doing something else on the side, with structure, nuance, examples, and comparisons. JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-katawara/ **かたわら** means **while; besides; at the same time; in addition**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to express that, in addition to a main occupation or activity, someone engages in another pursuit over a period of time. This grammar point often appears in resumes, biographies, formal introductions, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you want to express that someone balances a primary role with a secondary, long‑term activity, **かたわら** is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.

かたわら connects a main pursuit with a side activity — both ongoing, not momentary.

## What does かたわら mean? Use **かたわら** when you want to say that while someone is doing their main job, studying, or fulfilling a primary role, they also engage in another regular activity on the side. Natural translations include: - while; besides; at the same time; on the side; in addition to 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 かたわら
Noun の
＋
Verb (dictionary form)
→
かたわら
仕事(しごと)のかたわら　大学(だいがく)に通う(かよう)かたわら　研究(けんきゅう)をするかたわら
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. You cannot use the て‑form or た‑form before かたわら; only the plain dictionary form of verbs, or a noun followed by の, works. ## When is かたわら used? Use **かたわら** in situations like: - describing a long‑term side job, hobby, or volunteer work alongside a main career or study - formal self‑introductions, biographical notes, and written profiles - emphasizing that someone sustains two distinct roles simultaneously over a period Tone and register: - formal, often written - common in CVs, news articles, and essays ## かたわら example sentences
彼(かれ)は会社員かいしゃいんとして働はたらくかたわら、夜間やかんの大学だいがくに通かよっている。
He works as a company employee while attending night university.
#仕事(しごと)
彼女かのじょは法律事務所ほうりつじむしょに勤つとめるかたわら、小説しょうせつを書かいている。
She works at a law firm while writing novels on the side.
#執筆(しっぴつ)
大学生だいがくせいの私わたしは勉強べんきょうのかたわら、週末しゅうまつにボランティアをしている。
As a university student, I volunteer on weekends while studying.
#学生(がくせい)生活(せいかつ)
祖父そふは教師きょうしを続つづけるかたわら、地元じもとの祭まつりを支ささえる活動かつどうにも参加さんかしていた。
My grandfather continued teaching while also taking part in activities that supported the local festival.
#地域(ちいき)活動(かつどう)
彼は経営者けいえいしゃとして忙いそがしい毎日まいにちを送おくるかたわら、若手わかての育成いくせいにも力ちからを入いれている。
He leads a busy life as a business owner while also putting effort into mentoring young people.
#リーダーシップ
After reading each sentence, ask what job **かたわら** is doing: linking a main occupation or role with a sustained secondary activity. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of かたわら The key nuance is **a long‑term, simultaneous pursuit of two roles — the main one and a side activity**. The side activity is not an occasional hobby, but something the person regularly commits to over a period. The grammar carries a formal, respectful tone, often highlighting a person’s diligence or multifaceted skills.
📘
Do not use かたわら for two actions performed at exactly the same moment (e.g., eating while watching TV). That calls for ながら. かたわら describes parallel, ongoing roles over weeks, months, or years.
## かたわら vs ながら Both **かたわら** and **ながら** can express doing two things simultaneously, but they are different.
かたわら
long‑term side activity alongside a main role
Formal, written; resumes, biographies, introductions.
仕事しごとのかたわら大学だいがくに通かよう。
Work while attending university.
VS
ながら
two actions done at the same moment
Casual, everyday speech; physical simultaneous actions.
音楽おんがくを聴ききながら勉強べんきょうする。
Listen to music while studying.
If both translations seem possible, check the time frame. Does the sentence refer to a sustained, ongoing parallel pursuit (かたわら) or a momentary combination of actions (ながら)? The time frame tells you which grammar point is natural. ## Common mistakes with かたわら Watch out for these mistakes:
❌
朝あさごはんを食たべるかたわら新聞しんぶんを読よむ。
✅
朝あさごはんを食たべながら新聞しんぶんを読よむ。
Use ながら for simultaneous momentary actions, not かたわら.
❌
一度いちどだけボランティアをしたかたわら、仕事しごとをしている。
✅
仕事しごとのかたわら定期的ていきてきにボランティアをしている。
かたわら requires a sustained, regular activity, not a one‑time event.
❌
働はたらいているかたわら勉強べんきょうしている。
✅
働はたらくかたわら勉強べんきょうしている。
Use the dictionary form of the verb before かたわら, never the ている form.
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **かたわら**, then rewrite it with **ながら**. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words. ## Is かたわら on the JLPT?
N1

Yes. かたわら is commonly taught as JLPT N1 grammar.

For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning.

## Practice questions for かたわら Try making your own sentences with these prompts:
1.
Use かたわら to describe a real or imaginary person who balances a job and a side passion (music, sport, volunteering).
#自己紹介(じこしょうかい)風(ふう)
2.
Write a sentence about a student who studies part‑time while attending university. Pay attention to the verb form.
#学生(がくせい)
3.
Create two sentences with the same main activity, one using かたわら and one using ながら, and explain why each fits its context.
#比較(ひかく)練習(れんしゅう)
Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the nuance becomes clear. ## Learning path for かたわら To learn **かたわら** efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.
1
Study the formation rules: Noun の かたわら, Verb dictionary form かたわら. Write five formulaic examples without looking.
2
Contrast かたわら with ながら. Identify the time frame difference. Write one sentence with each and swap them to feel the clash.
3
Read a short Japanese biography or LinkedIn‑style profile and highlight every instance of かたわら. Analyze why the writer chose it over other alternatives.
4
Write a formal self‑introduction (or pretend introduction of a famous person) using かたわら to showcase a side activity. Review with a native speaker or teacher if possible.
5
Create three sentences where the nuance of かたわら is indispensable. Try replacing かたわら with 一方(いっぽう)で or simply stating the activities separately, and feel what is lost.
## Related grammar to review next - [かつて](/blog/n1-katsute/) — because it also sets a backdrop for an ongoing state, useful for narratives about past roles - [かたがた](/blog/n1-katagata/) — because it too links two purposes, often in formal expressions - [きらいがある](/blog/n1-kirai-ga-aru/) — because it describes a tendency during a long‑term activity, sharing the formal register - [かれ～かれ](/blog/n1-kare-kare/) — because it also pairs contrasting or parallel ideas in a fixed structure, strengthening your sense of balance in N1 patterns ## Learn かたわら with Hane If you want to review **かたわら** 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/)