～ついでに
Do an extra thing while you have the chance
You’ll be able to add a secondary action conveniently while already doing something related.
コンビニへ行くついでに、手紙も出してきてね。
konbini e iku tsuide ni, tegami mo dashite kite ne.
What do you think this sentence means?
While you’re going to the convenience store, please mail this letter too.
Do an extra action on the way
～ついでに means “while you are at it” or “on the occasion of.” The first action is the main reason or opportunity; the second is an extra action that is convenient to do then. The two actions should be related in time, place, or purpose.
駅へ行くついでに、本屋に寄ります。
eki e iku tsuide ni, hon'ya ni yorimasu.
Since I am going to the station anyway, I will stop by the bookshop.
買い物のついでに、銀行へ行きました。
kaimono no tsuide ni, ginkou e ikimashita.
While I was out shopping, I also went to the bank.
Use a planned occasion as the opportunity
Attach ～ついでに to a dictionary-form verb, a past verb, or a noun + の. A past form often describes an outing that has already happened or a completed trigger. Do not use it when the second action is the real main purpose.
散歩のついでに、パンを買ってきました。
sanpo no tsuide ni, pan o katte kimashita.
While I was out for a walk, I bought some bread.
新しい靴を買うついでに、かばんも見ます。
atarashii kutsu o kau tsuide ni, kaban mo mimasu.
While I am buying new shoes, I will also look at bags.
薬をもらいに行くついでに、同じ店でマスクも買います。
kusuri o morai ni iku tsuide ni, onaji mise de masuku mo kaimasu.
When I go to pick up my medicine, I’ll also buy masks at the same shop.
郵便局へ荷物を出しに行ったついでに、切手も買ってきました。
yuubinkyoku e nimotsu o dashi ni itta tsuide ni, kitte mo katte kimashita.
When I went to the post office to send a parcel, I also bought some stamps.
風呂の掃除のついでに、洗面台も洗いました。
furo no souji no tsuide ni, senmendai mo araimashita.
While cleaning the bath, I also cleaned the bathroom sink.
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