〜にかこつけて
ni kakotsukete
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Meaning
using … as a pretext; under the pretext of …
〜にかこつけて means "using X as a convenient excuse to do something else": 出張にかこつけて観光を楽しんだ (used the business trip as an excuse to sightsee). かこつける = to make a pretext. The real purpose is different from the stated one, and the tone is critical or wry.
Both speech and writing, slightly formal. Used to criticise someone (or confess wryly about oneself) for exploiting an occasion. The noun is a plausible reason: 出張・病気・仕事・接待・記念日.
Formation
V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
N + にかこつけて、V (the real, hidden purpose)Typical N: 出張・病気・仕事・接待・行事・忙しさ
Visual diagram
- Step 1出張で大阪に行ったwent to Osaka on business (neutral)
- Step 2出張にかこつけて、大阪観光を楽しんだused the business trip as a pretext to enjoy sightseeing in Osaka (hidden purpose, critical or wry)
Natural examples
彼は出張にかこつけて、観光を楽しんだ。
かれはしゅっちょうにかこつけて、かんこうをたのしんだ。
Using the business trip as an excuse, he enjoyed some sightseeing.
Business trip as a pretext for sightseeing.
病気にかこつけて、面倒な集まりを断った。
びょうきにかこつけて、めんどうなあつまりをことわった。
Using illness as a pretext, I declined the tiresome gathering.
Illness as an excuse to decline an invitation.
接待にかこつけて、高級レストランで食事をするのは問題だ。
せったいにかこつけて、こうきゅうレストランでしょくじをするのはもんだいだ。
Dining at expensive restaurants under the pretext of entertaining clients is a problem.
Client entertainment as a pretext for fine dining: criticism.
彼は残業にかこつけて、家事から逃げている。
かれはざんぎょうにかこつけて、かじからにげている。
He uses overtime as an excuse to escape housework.
Criticism of someone's habit.
記念日にかこつけて、自分へのご褒美に高い時計を買った。
きねんびにかこつけて、じぶんへのごほうびにたかいとけいをかった。
Using the anniversary as a pretext, I bought myself an expensive watch as a treat.
Wry self-confession.
Similar grammar and the difference
"Using X as an excuse": nearly the same meaning; を口実に is plainer and more common in speech. Compare side by side
"Triggered by X": a genuine cause of a change, with no hidden motive. Compare side by side
"While doing X, also Y": doing two things at once openly, without deception. Compare side by side
Common mistakes
- ✗
- 出張にかこつけて、仕事をした。
- ✓
- 出張で仕事をした。
- Why
- The action after にかこつけて must be different from the stated purpose.
- ✗
- 病気をかこつけて
- ✓
- 病気にかこつけて
- Why
- The particle is に.
- ✗
- 仕事にかこつけて、勉強した。（褒める文脈で）
- ✓
- 仕事のついでに、勉強した。
- Why
- かこつける carries a critical or wry tone; for a neutral "on the side", use ついでに.
The hidden purpose is often pleasure or avoidance: sightseeing, drinking, skipping duties. Speakers use it about themselves with a self-deprecating smile. Related noun: 口実 (pretext); かこつける is the verb form of the idea.
JLPT N1 tips
On the exam
- A plausible occasion + blank + a self-serving action → にかこつけて.
- Distractors: をきっかけに, にあたって, がてら. Choose にかこつけて when the stated reason hides the real purpose.
- In 並べ替え, the chunk N + にかこつけて precedes the real action.
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜にかこつけて mean?
using … as a pretext; under the pretext of …. 〜にかこつけて means "using X as a convenient excuse to do something else": 出張にかこつけて観光を楽しんだ (used the business trip as an excuse to sightsee). かこつける = to make a pretext. The real purpose is different from the stated one, and the tone is critical or wry.
How do you form 〜にかこつけて?
N + にかこつけて、V (the real, hidden purpose) / Typical N: 出張・病気・仕事・接待・行事・忙しさ. V = verb, N = noun, A = adjective.
When is 〜にかこつけて used?
Both speech and writing, slightly formal. Used to criticise someone (or confess wryly about oneself) for exploiting an occasion. The noun is a plausible reason: 出張・病気・仕事・接待・記念日.
What is the difference between 〜にかこつけて and 〜を口実に?
"Using X as an excuse": nearly the same meaning; を口実に is plainer and more common in speech.
What is the difference between 〜にかこつけて and 〜をきっかけに?
"Triggered by X": a genuine cause of a change, with no hidden motive.
What is a common mistake with 〜にかこつけて?
Wrong: 出張にかこつけて、仕事をした。 Right: 出張で仕事をした。 The action after にかこつけて must be different from the stated purpose.
Quick check
彼は接待（ ）、毎晩のように高級料理を食べている。