N1 Purpose and Means

~かたわら: meaning, usage and examples

~かたわら means: while... / on the side... (main job + side activity).

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 彼かれは会社かいしゃで働はたらくかたわら、週末しゅうまつは小説しょうせつを書かいている。

   While working at a company, he writes novels on the weekend.

2. 彼女かのじょは大学だいがくに通かようかたわら、モデルとしても活躍かつやくしている。

   While attending university, she is also active as a model.

3. 鈴木すずきさんは教師きょうしとして働はたらくかたわら、絵本えほんを出版しゅっぱんしている。

   Alongside her work as a teacher, Ms. Suzuki publishes picture books.

4. 父ちちは農業のうぎょうのかたわら、地域ちいきの消防しょうぼう団だんでも活動かつどうしている。

   Alongside farming, my father is also active in the local volunteer fire brigade.

When to use it

Describes a person who has a main occupation and, alongside it, regularly does another activity over a long period. Example: 会社かいしゃに勤つとめるかたわら、小説しょうせつを書かいている (alongside working for a company, he writes novels). Common in profiles, biographies and news.

Nuance

Written or formal narration. It describes lasting, habitual activities (a job, study, volunteer work), not one-time actions. Usually about a third person rather than the speaker's own short-term plans. The literal meaning of かたわら is beside, which is also used as a noun: 母ははのかたわらで.

Compare

かたわら pairs a main role with a long-term side activity: 絵えを描かく. ながら is two actions at the same moment: 音楽おんがくを聞ききながら勉強べんきょうする. がてら and かたがた are one-time trips with two purposes: 散歩さんぽがてら買かい物ものする.

Tip: Ask whether it is a lifestyle: a job plus another regular pursuit. If yes, use かたわら; if it is a single errand, use がてら.