ちなみにchinamini“by the way; in this connection; incidentally; (conjunction)”

ちなみに means by the way; in this connection; incidentally; (conjunction). It is a JLPT N2 Japanese grammar pattern used to express that providing extra context or a related fact as a side note.

This grammar point often appears in essays, formal writing, conversations, and JLPT N2 reading passages. If you want to express that providing extra context or a related fact as a side note, ちなみに is a useful pattern to learn because it adds natural precision to your Japanese.

What does ちなみに mean?

Use ちなみに when you want to express that providing extra context or a related fact as a side note.

Natural translations include:

• by the way; in this connection; incidentally; (conjunction)

How to form ちなみに

ちなみに + Sentence

Examples of the pattern:

• ちなみに、会議は三時からです
• ちなみに、明日も休みです

When is ちなみに used?

Use ちなみに in situations like:

• adding supplementary information as an aside

Tone and register:

• neutral; common in conversation and writing
• Common in test questions, essays, daily conversation, and JLPT N2 reading

ちなみに example sentences

• 明日は休みです。ちなみに、明後日も休みです。 — Tomorrow is a day off. By the way, the day after is too.
• このレストランは美味しいです。ちなみに、予約が必要です。 — This restaurant is delicious. Incidentally, you need a reservation.
• 彼は医者です。ちなみに、奥さんも医者です。 — He is a doctor. By the way, his wife is a doctor too.
• 来週出張です。ちなみに、先週も出張でした。 — I have a business trip next week. Incidentally, I had one last week too.
• このアプリは無料です。ちなみに、広告もありません。 — This app is free. And by the way, it has no ads either.

After reading each sentence, ask what job ちなみに is doing: providing extra context or a related fact as a side note.

Nuance of ちなみに

The key nuance is providing extra context or a related fact as a side note.

For example:

• In context, it carries a specific, nuanced meaning that a simpler pattern would not convey.
• Compared with ところで, it carries a different weight and implication.

ちなみに vs ところで

ちなみに:

• providing extra context or a related fact as a side note

ところで:

• by the way (changes topic completely)

Quick contrast examples:

• ちなみに、明日も休みです。
• ところで、明日は何をしますか。

Common mistakes with ちなみに

Watch out for these mistakes:

• Translating it too literally without understanding the nuance
• Using it in contexts where the situation doesn’t match the grammar’s core meaning
• Confusing it with similar-looking but different grammar patterns

A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with ちなみに, then rewrite it with ところで. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words.

Is ちなみに on the JLPT?

Yes. ちなみに is commonly taught as JLPT N2 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

• recognize it in reading
• understand its nuance in context
• use it in simple original sentences

Practice questions for ちなみに

• Use ちなみに in a sentence about a personal experience or observation.
• Write a sentence where the nuance of ちなみに is necessary.
• Compare ちなみに with ところで in your own example.

Learning path for ちなみに

To learn ちなみに efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.

1. First, make sure you can form ちなみに without looking at the pattern chart.
2. Next, compare it with ところで.
3. Finally, write sentences where ちなみに is necessary; then check whether replacing it with one of the related patterns below changes the meaning.

Related grammar to review next

• いわゆる — because it also introduces conceptual labels and framing
• から言うと（からいうと） — because it also provides perspective and context
• 上（じょう） — because it also presents information from a specific standpoint

Learn ちなみに with Hane

If you want to review ちなみに together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions.

Browse more lessons here:

• All grammar lessons
• JLPT N2 grammar lessons