Usage Explanation ①: 〜ながら (nagara) – Daily Conversation

〜ながら (nagara) is the most common way to say “while doing X, I do Y.” It is used in everyday conversation and casual writing.

It connects two actions done by the same person at the same time. The main action is the second one.

Form: Verb Stem + ながら (e.g., 食べ + ながら)

Example 1: (Daily Habit)

音楽（おんがく）を聞（き）きながら、勉強（べんきょう）します。(Ongaku o kiki nagara, benkyō shimasu.)

I study while listening to music.

Example 2: (Walking)

歩（ある）きながら、話（はな）しましょう。(Aruki nagara, hanashimashō.)

Let’s talk while walking.

Example 3: (Don’t do it!)

スマホを見（み）ながら、運転（うんてん）してはいけません。(Sumaho o mi nagara, unten shite wa ikemasen.)

You must not drive while looking at your smartphone.

Usage Explanation ②: 〜つつ (tsutsu) – Formal / Writing

〜つつ (tsutsu) also means “while,” but it is much more formal and stiff (かたい). It is often used in writing, reports, news, or formal speeches.

It expresses that two actions are happening over a period of time, rather than just physically doing two things at once.

Form: Verb Stem + つつ (e.g., 食べ + つつ)

Example 1: (Formal Report)

問題（もんだい）を検討（けんとう）しつつ、進（すす）めます。(Mondai o kentō shi tsutsu, susumemasu.)

We will proceed while considering the problem.

Example 2: (Discussion)

様子（ようす）を見（み）つつ、考（かんが）えましょう。(Yōsu o mi tsutsu, kangaemashō.)

Let’s think about it while watching the situation.

Example 3: (Literary)

過去（かこ）を振（ふ）り返（かえ）りつつ、未来（みらい）を語（かた）った。(Kako o furikaeri tsutsu, mirai o katatta.)

He spoke of the future while looking back on the past.

Comparison: 〜ながら vs 〜つつ

Check the formality level!

Common Mistake Examples

Mistake 1: Using “tsutsu” for daily life

Wrong:

ガムを噛（か）みつつ、話（はな）しました。(Gamu o kami tsutsu, hanashimashita.)

Correct:

ガムを噛（か）みながら、話（はな）しました。(Gamu o kami nagara, hanashimashita.)

Why?

“Chewing gum” is a very casual, physical action. Using the formal 〜つつ sounds funny and unnatural. Use 〜ながら.

Mistake 2: Connecting the wrong form

Wrong:

テレビを見てながら、食べます。(Terebi o mi te nagara…)

Correct:

テレビを見ながら、食べます。(Terebi o mi nagara…)

Why?

Do not use the Te-form! Use the Verb Stem (Masu-form without ‘masu’).
Mimasu → Mi-nagara.

Practice Quiz

Let’s check your understanding! Choose the correct word for ( ).

Q1.

（友達と）お茶（ちゃ）を飲み ( ) 話しましょう。

(With a friend) Let’s talk while drinking tea.

1. つつ (tsutsu)
2. ながら (nagara)

Q2.

（ビジネスメール）社員（しゃいん）と相談（そうだん）し ( )、計画（けいかく）を立（た）てます。

(Business email) We will make a plan while consulting with the employees.

1. つつ (tsutsu)
2. ながら (nagara)

(Note: “Nagara” is not wrong, but which is more suitable for formal writing?)

Q3.

アルバイトをし ( )、大学（だいがく）に通（かよ）っています。

I go to university while doing a part-time job. (Long-term state)

1. ながら (nagara)
2. Both are OK

Summary: When to Use Which

• 〜ながら: Everyday life. Physical actions. Conversation. “Eating while watching.”
• 〜つつ: Business. Writing. Mental process. “Proceeding while considering.”

For beginners, stick to 〜ながら! It is safe for almost all situations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use “tsutsu” in daily conversation?

A1: It is rarely used in daily conversation. If you say “gum o kami-tsutsu” (while chewing gum), it sounds very strange and stiff. Use 〜ながら (nagara) for daily actions.

Q2: Does “tsutsu” have another meaning?

A2: Yes! 〜つつ (tsutsu) can also mean “Although” or “Even though.” Example: 悪いと知りつつ、嘘をついた (Although I knew it was bad, I lied). This usage is very common in N2/N1.

Q3: How do I make the form?

A3: Both use the Verb Stem (Masu-form without masu).

• 食べます → 食べながら / 食べつつ
• 行きます → 行きながら / 行きつつ

Related Articles

• How to use the -te iru form (Continuous Action)
• What is the “Verb Stem” (Masu-stem)?