An N-2-(hetero)arylethylcarboxamide derivative represented by the formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom etc., R3 and R4 are each independently a hydrogen atom etc., each Y is independently a halogen atom; a (C1-C6)alkyl group optionally substituted by halogen atom(s) etc., n is an integer of 1 to 5, A is a specific substituted cyclic group, E is C—H; C—Y (Y is as defined above); or a nitrogen atom, a salt thereof, and a pest controlling agent containing the derivative or salt as an active ingredient show superior performance as compared to the prior art technique, and are is useful particularly as plant disease controlling agents or nematocides having a broad control spectrum at a low dose.