GRAMMAR
〜かたがた
while (doing main purpose)
Explanation
NOTE
〜かたがた means while doing — one action serves as the chance to also do a second purpose.
散歩かたがた、買い物をしてきた。
I did some shopping while taking a walk.
NOTE
It is formal and used for polite occasions, often in greetings, thanks, or apologies.
挨拶かたがた、先生のお宅を訪ねた。
I visited my teacher's home partly to pay my respects.
かたがた connects to nouns that describe an action, especially formal social gestures.
NOTE
Attach かたがた directly to an action noun. No particle is needed between them.
STRUCTURE
N辞
かたがたお礼かたがた、報告に伺いました。
Orei katagata, houkoku ni ukagaimashita.
I came to report, while also thanking you.
見舞いかたがた、友人に会いに行った。
Mimai katagata, yuujin ni ai ni itta.
I went to see my friend, partly to check on him.
運動かたがた、駅まで歩いた。
Undou katagata, eki made aruita.
I walked to the station, partly as exercise.
散歩かたがた、近所の公園へ行ってきました。
Sanpo-katagata, kinjo no kouen e ittekimashita.
I went to the neighborhood park while I was out for a walk.
仕事かたがた、大阪に住んでいる友達に会いに行きます。
Shigoto-katagata, Osaka ni sundeiru tomodachi ni ai ni ikimasu.
I will go to see my friend living in Osaka while I am there for work.
買い物かたがた、図書館で本を返してきます。
Kaimono-katagata, toshokan de hon o kaeshite kimasu.
I will return books to the library while I'm out shopping.
Practice exercises
1
散歩かたがた、買い物をしてきた。
I did some shopping while taking a walk.
Answer
かたがた
2
お礼かたがた、報告に伺いました。
I came to report, while also thanking you.
Answer
かたがた
3
運動かたがた、駅まで歩いた。
I walked to the station, partly as exercise.
Answer
かたがた
4
恩師へお礼かたがた、近況を手紙で知らせた。
While also thanking my former teacher, I let them know my recent news by letter.
Answer
かたがた
5
引っ越しの挨拶かたがた、隣家に菓子を届けた。
While also greeting them about the move, I delivered sweets to the neighbors.
Answer
かたがた
6
挨拶かたがた、恩師のお宅を訪ねた。
I visited my former teacher's home, partly to pay my respects.
Answer
かたがた
7
近況報告かたがた、ご挨拶に伺いました。
While also reporting on my recent situation, I came to greet you.
Answer
かたがた
8
留学先の教授へお礼かたがた、現状を報告した。
While also expressing gratitude to my professor abroad, I reported on my current situation.
Answer
かたがた