傍ら
While, Besides, In addition to
Structure
Noun + の + かたわら
Explanation
The word 傍ら (usually written as かたわら) originally means 'alongside' or 'beside'. In grammar, it is used to mean 'while (A)', 'in addition to (A)', or 'besides (A)', indicating a secondary activity performed alongside a primary one.
かたわら connects to other words by following the dictionary form of a verb, or by following a noun with the particle の.
- 田中さんはIT企業で働くかたわら、趣味で小説を書いている。In addition to working at an IT company, Mr. Tanaka also writes novels as a hobby.
- 彼は大学に通うかたわら、コンビニでアルバイトをしています。While attending university, he also has a part-time job at a convenience store.
- その医者は本業のかたわら、週末はボランティア活動をしている。Besides her main job as a doctor, she does volunteer work on the weekends.
- 母は主婦業のかたわら、インターネットで手作りのアクセサリーを売っている。In addition to her duties as a homemaker, my mother sells handmade accessories online.
A key aspect to remember is that かたわら establishes a clear distinction between a main activity (A) and a secondary one (B). The grammar point always follows the primary focus (A), implying that (B) is an additional undertaking, such as a side business or a personal interest pursued in one's spare time.
Caution
It is important not to confuse かたわら with ながら. While ながら describes two actions occurring at the very same moment, かたわら is used for two separate activities carried out during the same general period of a person's life. One activity is always presented as the main focus, while the other is secondary.
Examples
彼は医者として働く傍ら、趣味で小説を執筆している。
While working as a doctor, he also writes novels as a hobby.
彼女は弁護士の仕事の傍ら、週末はボランティア活動に参加している。
In addition to her work as a lawyer, she participates in volunteer activities on the weekends.
彼は会社員として勤務する傍ら、夜はオンラインショップを運営している。
Besides working as a company employee, he runs an online shop at night.
彼は大学院で研究する傍ら、翻訳の仕事で生計を立てている。
While doing research in graduate school, he makes a living by doing translation work.
私の祖父は農業を営む傍ら、自宅で小さな民宿も経営している。
In addition to farming, my grandfather also runs a small inn out of his home.
彼女は三人の子供の母親の傍ら、プロのピアニストとしても世界中を飛び回っている。
Besides being a mother of three, she travels the world as a professional pianist.
その俳優は映画に出演する傍ら、慈善活動にも熱心に取り組んでいる。
In addition to appearing in movies, that actor is also passionately involved in charity work.
山田先生は作家としての活動の傍ら、地元の大学で文学を教えている。
Besides his activities as an author, Mr. Yamada also teaches literature at a local university.
彼は市役所で働く傍ら、地域のサッカーチームでコーチをしている。
While working at the city hall, he also coaches the local soccer team.
この会社はITコンサルティングを行う傍ら、若手起業家の支援も積極的に行っている。
In addition to providing IT consulting, this company also actively supports young entrepreneurs.
彼女は看護師として病院に勤務する傍ら、休日は写真家として活動している。
Besides working as a nurse at a hospital, she is active as a photographer on her days off.
彼は店の経営の傍ら、地域の子供たちに伝統工芸を教えている。
Besides running his shop, he teaches traditional crafts to local children.