Japanese word

ついで

Pronunciation

Romajitsuide

Meaning

  • nounon the way

Example

駅へ行くついでに、切手を買います。eki e i ku tsu i de ni kitte o ka i ma su

I will buy stamps on the way to the station.

Illustration for ついで (on the way)

More examples

買い物のついでに、薬局にも寄ります。ka i mono no tsu i de ni yak kyoku ni mo yo ri ma su

I will also stop by the pharmacy while I am shopping.

Core concept

Refers to taking advantage of a situation or trip to accomplish an extra task alongside the original one.

Common phrases

  • 買い物のついでにka i mono no tsu i de ni

    while shopping

  • そのついでにso no tsu i de ni

    while you're at it

Similar words

機会kikai: A suitable time or situation for doing something.

Definition in Japanese

一つの用事などで出かけた機会に、別の用事も合わせて行うこと。hito tsu no yō ji na do de de ka ke ta ki kai ni betsu no yō ji mo a wa se te okona u ko to

Word origin

ついで (tsuide, "opportunity") is a noun formed from the classical verb 次ぐ (tsugu, "to follow"), expressing an opportunity that arises alongside something already being done.

Usage tips

  • The translation "on the way" covers one common use, but ついでに (tsuide ni) also describes adding a task to an ongoing activity at home or elsewhere.

Other meanings

  • while you're at itnoun
  • opportunitynoun

Word lists with this word