〜がてら

Meaning

「がてら」 functions as both a conjunctive particle and an adverbial particle. It means that while doing one thing, the speaker takes the opportunity to do something else as well. It is equivalent to 「〜のついでに」 (while you're at it; on the way).

Formation

Examples

1. A:あれっ、砂糖が足りないわ。B:じゃあ、僕が散歩がてら、買ってくるよ。
   A: Oh no, we're out of sugar.
   B: Well then, I'll go buy some while I'm out for a walk.

2. 修理してもらったカバンを引き取りがてら、秋物の洋服を見てくるわ。
   I'll pick up my repaired bag and take the opportunity to look at some autumn clothes while I'm there.

3. 犬の散歩がてら、彼女の家の前を通ろうと思った。
   I thought I'd pass by her house while walking the dog.

Summary

• 「〜がてら」 means "while doing...; taking the opportunity to..."
• Attaches to Verbs (ます-form) and Nouns