序でに
While you are at it, On the occasion
Structure
Noun + の + ついでに
Phrase。ついでに + Phrase
Explanation
The Japanese adverb 序でに is used to express doing something extra 'while you're at it', or 'since the opportunity has arisen'. 序で itself is a noun that means 'occasion' or 'opportunity'. For this reason, the literal meaning of 序でに can be interpreted as 'on the occasion of (A), do (B) as well'.
You can use 序でに after both verbs and nouns. When it follows a noun, it must be connected using the case marking particle の.
- 図書館に行くついでに、この本を返してきてくれない？Since you're going to the library, could you return this book for me?
- 買い物のついでにパン屋に寄ってもらえますか？While you're out shopping, could you stop by the bakery for me?
- コンビニに行くんだよね？序でにこの手紙をポストに入れてきて。You're going to the convenience store, right? While you're at it, drop this letter in the mailbox for me.
Fun Fact
The use of 序でに highlights that the main action (A) creates a convenient opportunity for the second action (B). This structure is ideal for showing that task (B) isn't the primary goal or particularly urgent, but can be efficiently accomplished because (A) is already taking place.
Caution
Compared to 間に or 時に, 序でに carries a slightly more formal nuance. Consequently, it is most often used for singular, non-repeating events rather than habitual actions. However, it can sometimes describe recurring activities, particularly in polite or formal speech, like when addressing a superior.
- 駅に妹を迎えに行ったついでに、夕食の材料を買ってきた。When I went to pick up my sister at the station, I also bought groceries for dinner. (One-off occurrence)
- 子供が昼寝をしている間に、洗濯をします。I do the laundry while my child is napping. (Regular occurrence)
- 時間があるときに、本を読みます。I read books when I have time. (Regular occurrence)
Examples
買い物の序でに、この手紙を出してきてくれない？
While you're out shopping, could you mail this letter for me?
駅へ行く序でに、本屋に寄っていこう。
Since we're going to the station, let's stop by the bookstore.
序でに、ゴミも捨ててきてくれると助かるんだけど。
While you're at it, it would be a big help if you could take out the trash too.
大阪へ出張した序でに、旧友と会ってきた。
While I was in Osaka on a business trip, I met up with an old friend.
犬の散歩の序でに、公園の花の写真を撮った。
I took some pictures of the flowers in the park while I was walking the dog.
書類をコピーするなら、序でに私の分もお願いできる？
If you're going to make copies of the documents, could you do mine too while you're at it?
報告書を書く序でに、来週のスケジュールも確認しておいた。
While I was writing the report, I also checked next week's schedule.
夕食の準備の序でに、明日のお弁当も作っておこう。
While I'm preparing dinner, I'll go ahead and make tomorrow's bento box too.
図書館へ本を返しに行く序でに、新しい本を借りてきた。
When I went to the library to return a book, I borrowed a new one.
序でに、この窓も拭いておきましょうか？
While I'm at it, shall I wipe this window as well?
銀行に寄った序でに、隣のパン屋で朝食を買った。
Since I was stopping by the bank, I bought breakfast at the bakery next door.
薬局に行くんだったら、序でに絆創膏を買ってきて。
If you're going to the pharmacy, pick up some bandages while you're there.