ついでに

ついでに is used to express doing something while you're at it – taking advantage of an occasion or action already happening to do something additional. The nuance is that the secondary action is done conveniently alongside the main action, rather than being the primary purpose.

It often translates to "while you're at it," "on the way," "incidentally," or "taking the opportunity to."

Basic usage

ついでに connects two actions where the first action creates a convenient opportunity for the second.

Structure patterns

ついでに can attach to different forms:

• Verb (dictionary form) + ついでに – when the main action hasn't happened yet

  こんびにコンビニにいく行くついでに、ぎゅうにゅう牛乳をかって買ってきて。

  While you're going to the convenience store, buy some milk.

• Verb (た-form) + ついでに – when the main action has already happened or is being described as completed

  とうきょう東京にしゅっちょう出張したついでに、ともだち友達にあった会った。

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

• Noun + の + ついでに – using a noun to describe the occasion

  さんぽ散歩のついでに、ぱんパンをかって買ってきた。

  While I was on a walk, I picked up some bread.

Important nuances

The action after ついでに should be something secondary or incidental – not the main purpose. If both actions are equally important, ついでに sounds unnatural.

ついでに is relatively casual and is used in everyday conversation. It can sometimes sound dismissive if used about something the listener considers important, so be mindful of context.