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を兼ねて（をかねて）

Also serving as / Combined with / At the same time as

This grammar expresses that one action has multiple purposes, or that something is done while also fulfilling another function.

N1

Meaning

Also serving as / Combined with / At the same time as

This grammar expresses that one action has multiple purposes, or that something is done while also fulfilling another function.

Formation

Noun + を兼ねて

Explanation

を兼ねて is used when one activity is done with two purposes at the same time.

Core idea:

  • “X also serves as Y”

  • “While doing X, it also functions as Y”

  • “Combining X and Y in one action”

Important nuance:

  • The two purposes are:

    • intentional

    • planned

  • It often suggests efficiency

  • Common in formal contexts such as:

    • business events

    • official visits

    • ceremonies

    • JLPT N1 reading passages

Tone:

  • Formal

  • Practical

  • Structured