SuGoiSuす語彙すGrammar › N2 · 05 Concession and contrast
〜つつも: while ... still; although
N2 · 05 Concession and contrast
Says that someone does something even though they know it is wrong or unwise.
Verb ます-stem + つつも. Often with verbs of knowing or feeling: 悪いと思いつつも, 分かっていながら. The same person does both things. More written than 〜ながらも. Different from 〜つつ (while doing at the same time).
Examples
健康に悪いと知りつつも、夜更かしをやめられない。
Even though I know it is bad for my health, I can't stop staying up late.
遠慮しつつも、彼は最後の一切れを食べた。
Though he held back at first, he ate the last piece.