Grammar › N3 · 02 Time and sequence

〜つつ: while doing; even though

N3 · 02 Time and sequence

Joins two actions done at the same time, or means "although" in writing.

Verb masu-stem + つつ. With simultaneous actions it is like ながら but written and formal. In the "although" meaning (〜つつも) it often shows regret: 悪いと思いつつ. Not used in casual talk.

Examples

景色けしきを楽たのしみつつ、ゆっくり山道やまみちを歩あるいた。

Enjoying the scenery, we walked slowly along the mountain path.

体からだに悪わるいと知しりつつも、夜更よふかしをやめられない。

Though I know it is bad for me, I cannot stop staying up late.

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