GRAMMAR
〜にかこつけて
under the pretext of
Explanation
NOTE
〜にかこつけて means under the pretext of — using one thing as an excuse to do something else you really wanted.
仕事にかこつけて、飲みに行った。
Under the pretext of work, he went out drinking.
NOTE
It is formal and slightly critical. The stated reason is not the true motive — it is just a convenient excuse.
彼は誕生日にかこつけて、高い時計を買った。
Using his birthday as a pretext, he bought an expensive watch.
The birthday is only an excuse — what he really wanted was the watch.
NOTE
Attach にかこつけて to a noun — usually an event or reason used as the false pretext.
STRUCTURE
N辞
にかこつけて出張にかこつけて、観光を楽しんだ。
Shucchou ni kakotsukete, kankou o tanoshinda.
Under the pretext of a business trip, he enjoyed sightseeing.
勉強にかこつけて、新しいパソコンを買った。
Benkyou ni kakotsukete, atarashii pasokon o katta.
Using studying as a pretext, she bought a new computer.
母の看病にかこつけて、会社を休んだ。
Haha no kanbyou ni kakotsukete, kaisha o yasunda.
Under the pretext of nursing his mother, he skipped work.
彼は仕事にかこつけて、早く帰りました。
Kare wa shigoto ni kakotsukete, hayaku kaerimashita.
He went home early under the pretext of work.
取材にかこつけて、彼は好きな歌手に会いに行きました。
Shuzai ni kakotsukete, kare wa suki na kashu ni ai ni ikimashita.
Under the pretext of an interview, he went to meet his favorite singer.
友達は用事にかこつけて、誘いを断りました。
Tomodachi wa youji ni kakotsukete, sasoi o kotowarimashita.
My friend declined the invitation under the pretext of having errands.
Practice exercises
1
忙しさにかこつけて、健康を疎かにするきらいがある。
Under the pretext of being busy, he tends to neglect his health.
Answer
にかこつけて
2
仕事にかこつけて、毎晩飲みに行く。
Under the pretext of work, he goes out drinking every night.
Answer
にかこつけて
3
同窓会にかこつけて、彼女に会いに行った。
Under the pretext of a class reunion, he went to see her.
Answer
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4
研究にかこつけて、海外旅行を計画した。
Under the pretext of research, she planned an overseas trip.
Answer
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5
研修にかこつけて、上司の雑用を全部するはめになった。
Under the pretext of training, I ended up doing all my boss's chores.
Answer
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6
風邪にかこつけて、大事な会議を欠席した。
Under the pretext of a cold, he skipped an important meeting.
Answer
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7
子供の病気にかこつけて、面倒な会議への出席を避けた。
Under the pretext of his child's illness, he avoided attending the troublesome meeting.
Answer
にかこつけて
8
政治家は国民の利益にかこつけて、私利私欲を図ろうとする。
The politician always tries to pursue his personal interests under the pretext of public benefit.
Answer
にかこつけて