掛けに
On the way to, As you go
Structure
Explanation
While not common in contemporary conversation, the suffix 掛け, meaning 'to hang' or 'to span', can be attached to the ます-stem of a verb and followed by に. This creates the expression 掛けに, which means 'while on the way' or 'in the middle of doing (A)'. It implies that action (B) is performed during action (A), often because it is a convenient time to do so.
This grammar pattern can be written using either hiragana or kanji, so it is a good idea to become familiar with both forms.
- 図書館へ行きがけに、郵便局で手紙を出しました。I mailed a letter at the post office on my way to the library.
- 友達の家へ遊びに行きがけに、ケーキを買っていこう。Let's buy a cake on our way to our friend's house.
- 買い物の帰りがけに、近くの公園に寄った。On my way back from shopping, I dropped by a nearby park.
Fun-fact
The verb 掛ける can be challenging for learners because it lacks a single, direct equivalent in English. Its core meaning often involves placing, hanging, or extending something over a distance or surface, both literally and figuratively. Thinking of action (A) as the 'span of time' during which action (B) happens can help you connect this grammar point to the verb's original meaning.
Examples
同僚との会話：「今日、帰り掛けに本屋に寄って、新しい小説を買うつもりです。」
Conversation with a colleague: 'I'm planning to stop by the bookstore on my way home today and buy a new novel.'
カップルの会話：「空港への行き掛けに、どこかで昼ご飯を食べようか。」
A couple's conversation: 'Shall we grab lunch somewhere on our way to the airport?'
物語の一節：「通り掛けに、優しそうなお婆さんが私に声をかけてきた。」
A passage from a story: 'As I was passing by, a kind-looking old woman called out to me.'
友達への電話：「ごめん、来掛けに大きな交通事故を見てしまって。少し遅れるかもしれない。」
Phone call to a friend: 'Sorry, I saw a huge traffic accident on my way here. I might be a little late.'
親から子供へのお願い：「学校の帰り掛けに、スーパーで牛乳を買ってきてくれる？」
A parent's request to their child: 'On your way home from school, could you buy some milk at the supermarket?'
友達との雑談：「今朝、駅への行き掛けに、偶然田中先生に会ったんだ。」
Casual chat with a friend: 'This morning, I ran into Mr. Tanaka by chance on my way to the station.'
独り言：「あ、この手紙を出すの忘れてた。帰り掛けにポストに入れておこう。」
Muttering to oneself: 'Oh, I forgot to mail this letter. I'll drop it in the postbox on my way home.'
友人にカフェを紹介している：「商店街を通り掛けに、この可愛らしいカフェを見つけたんです。」
Introducing a café to a friend: 'I found this adorable café while passing through the shopping arcade.'
上司への報告：「クライアント先への行き掛けに、本社で書類を受け取ってまいります。」
Reporting to a superior: 'On my way to the client's office, I will pick up the documents from the head office.'
イベント後の友人同士の会話、A：「この後、まっすぐ帰るの？」
B：「ううん、帰り掛けに友達の家に荷物を届けなきゃいけないんだ。」
Conversation between friends after an event, A: 'Are you going straight home after this?'
B: 'No, I have to drop off some stuff at a friend's house on my way back.'
友人の家を訪問：「来掛けにお店で綺麗な花が売っていたから、君に、と思って買ってきたよ。」
Visiting a friend's house: 'I saw they were selling beautiful flowers at a shop on my way here, so I bought them for you.'
心の中で：「コンサートへの行き掛けに、ATMでお金を下ろしておいた方がいいな。」
Thinking to oneself: 'I should probably get some cash out at the ATM on my way to the concert.'