つつ (tsutsu)

Meaning & usage

つつ expresses that two actions happen at the same time, like doing homework while listening to music, or that something happens despite a conflicting feeling, like eating although knowing it is bad. It attaches to the masu-stem of a verb, as in 歩きつつ and 恐れつつ, and も is often added for the although meaning, as in 悩みつつも. It is formal and written in tone, so ながら is more common in everyday conversation.

Example sentences 8

1. 音楽おんがくを聞ききつつ、宿題しゅくだいをします。

   I do my homework while listening to music.

2. 歩きつつ、友達と話した。

   I talked with my friend while walking.

3. 悪いと知りつつ、食べてしまう。

   Even though I know it is bad for me, I end up eating it.

4. 失敗を恐れつつ、新しい仕事を始めた。

   I started a new job while fearing failure.

5. 母は笑いつつ、私を見た。

   My mother looked at me while smiling.

6. 悩みつつも、最後は決めた。

   Although I was worried, I decided in the end.

7. 景色を楽しみつつ、山を登る。

   I climb the mountain while enjoying the scenery.

8. 寒さに耐えつつ、朝まで働いた。

   I worked until morning while enduring the cold.