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
How to form かたわら
仕事のかたわら 大学に通うかたわら 研究をするかたわら
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
After reading each sentence, ask what job かたわら is doing: linking a main occupation or role with a sustained secondary activity.
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.
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.
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:
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with かたわら, then rewrite it with ながら.
Is かたわら on the JLPT?
Yes. かたわら is commonly taught as JLPT N1 grammar.
- Recognize it in reading
- Understand its nuance in context
- Use it in formal, long‑term descriptions
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
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.
Related grammar to review next
- かつて — because it also sets a backdrop for an ongoing state, useful for narratives about past roles
- かたがた — because it too links two purposes, often in formal expressions
- きらいがある — because it describes a tendency during a long‑term activity, sharing the formal register
- かれ～かれ — 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:
FAQ about かたわら
What does かたわら (katawara) mean in Japanese?
かたわら (katawara) means “while; besides; at the same time; in addition”. It is JLPT N1 grammar. 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.
How do you form かたわら (katawara)?
Noun の ＋ Verb (dictionary form) → かたわら 仕事のかたわら 大学に通うかたわら 研究をするかたわら 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.
What is the difference between かたわら and ながら?
かたわら: long‑term side activity alongside a main role. ながら: two actions done at the same moment.
What is an example sentence with かたわら (katawara)?
彼は会社員として働くかたわら、夜間の大学に通っている。 — He works as a company employee while attending night university.