を兼ねて
And also, Also (partly) to, Also (partly) for (the purpose of), At the same time, To double as, When … also, While … as well, And as
Structure
(1) も
Explanation
を兼ねて is a grammar structure that builds upon the meaning of the verb 兼ねる, which means 'to combine', or 'to serve two functions simultaneously'. The adverbial particle を is used to mark a noun representing a secondary purpose or action (A). This is followed by 兼ねて and then the main action or state (B), which is performed along with (A). This pattern is commonly expressed in English as 'to (B), which also serves as (A)', '(B) for the dual purpose of (A)', or 'to (B) while also (A)'.
- 気分転換を兼ねて、近くの公園を散歩した。I took a walk in the nearby park, also partly for a change of pace.
- 観光を兼ねて、京都へ出張しました。I went on a business trip to Kyoto, also partly to do some sightseeing.
- 節約を兼ねて、毎日自炊しています。I cook for myself every day, also partly to save money.
In the structure A を兼ねて B, B is typically the main focus, while A serves as an additional benefit, a supporting reason, or a convenient justification for doing B. To remember that A is the secondary element, it may be useful to think of the structure's meaning as '(I will do B) with the added bonus of (A)'.
In situations where there are multiple secondary purposes, they can be listed using the case-marking particle と.
- 買い物と友達への挨拶を兼ねて、東京に行ってきました。I went to Tokyo, also partly to do some shopping and to say hi to a friend.
- 趣味の共有と文章の練習を兼ねて、ブログを始めました。I started a blog also partly to share my hobby and practice my writing.
Examples
ストレス解消を兼ねて、毎週末ジョギングをしています。
I go jogging every weekend also (partly) to relieve stress.
夕食を兼ねて、新しいプロジェクトについて話し合いました。
We had a meeting about the new project that also served as dinner.
観光を兼ねて、京都へ出張に行ってきます。
I'm going to Kyoto on a business trip and will do some sightseeing as well.
カメラの練習を兼ねて、公園の花を撮りに行った。
I went to take pictures of the flowers in the park, partly to practice with my camera.
気分転換を兼ねて、部屋の大掃除をした。
Doubling as a way to clear my head, I did a big clean-up of my room.
お祝いを兼ねて、友人の赤ちゃんに会いに行った。
I went to see my friend's new baby, and also to give my congratulations.
彼の送別会を兼ねて、新しいメンバーの歓迎会を開きましょう。
Let's throw a welcome party for the new members that will double as his farewell party.
挨拶を兼ねて、引っ越してきた隣の人に会いに行った。
I went to meet the person who moved in next door, which also served as a chance to introduce myself.
レポートの参考を兼ねて、この歴史小説を読んでいる。
I'm reading this historical novel also (partly) as reference material for my report.
明日のお弁当を兼ねて、夕飯は多めにカレーを作った。
Doubling as tomorrow's bento, I made a lot of curry for dinner.
新年の挨拶を兼ねて、祖父母の家を訪ねた。
I visited my grandparents' house, which also served as my New Year's greeting to them.