〜ついでに
while you're at it
Show when one action happens in relation to another.
Remember it
Place two moments on a timeline and join them with 〜ついでに.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ついでに」 means "while you're at it". Structure: Verb / Noun の + ついでに. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it for routines, status updates, sequences, and telling stories.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1参加のついでに、資料も届けました。
さんか の ついで に、しりょう も とどけました。
sanka no tsuide ni, shiryou mo todokemashita.
While I was at the participation, I also delivered the documents.
At work
Example 2帰国のついでに、資料も届けました。
きこく の ついで に、しりょう も とどけました。
kikoku no tsuide ni, shiryou mo todokemashita.
While I was at the returning to one's country, I also delivered the documents.
At work
Example 3購入のついでに、資料も届けました。
こうにゅう の ついで に、しりょう も とどけました。
kounyuu no tsuide ni, shiryou mo todokemashita.
While I was at the purchase, I also delivered the documents.
At work
Example 4練習のついでに、資料も届けました。
れんしゅう の ついで に、しりょう も とどけました。
renshuu no tsuide ni, shiryou mo todokemashita.
While I was at the practice, I also delivered the documents.
At work
Example 5留学のついでに、資料も届けました。
りゅうがく の ついで に、しりょう も とどけました。
ryuugaku no tsuide ni, shiryou mo todokemashita.
While I was at the studying abroad, I also delivered the documents.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
While I was at the participation, I also delivered the documents.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ついでに.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.