N3 Time, Sequences, and Change

~ついでに: meaning, usage and examples

~ついでに means: while... / taking the opportunity to...

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

Examples

1. 出でかけるついでに、コーヒーを買かってきて。

   Get some coffee while you are going out.

2. 散歩さんぽのついでに、手紙てがみを出だしました。

   While I was on my walk, I mailed a letter.

3. 郵便ゆうびん局きょくへ行いったついでに、切手きってを買かいました。

   While I was at the post office, I bought some stamps.

4. 東京とうきょうに出張しゅっちょうしたついでに、友達ともだちに会あいました。

   While I was in Tokyo on a business trip, I also met up with a friend.

When to use it

Use ついでに when doing one thing gives you a convenient chance to do something else: "while you're at it" or "on the way." 駅えきへ行いくついでに、パンを買かってきた means "Since I was going to the station anyway, I picked up some bread." The first action is the main purpose; the second is a small extra task.

Nuance

It is casual and practical, common in daily conversation and requests. The second action is minor, added only because it is convenient. ついでに can also start a sentence on its own: ついでに、これもお願ねがい ("While you're at it, this too, please").

Compare

ながら means doing two actions at the same time: 音楽おんがくを聞ききながら勉強べんきょうする. ついでに means one main action gives a chance for another: 買かい物もののついでに銀行ぎんこうに寄よった. 間あいだに simply marks a time period with no idea of convenience: 留守るすの間あいだに荷物にもつが届とどいた.

Tip: Ask which action is the main purpose. The main one comes before ついでに; the small extra task comes after it.