ながら (nagara)

Meaning & usage

ながら links two actions happening at the same time, meaning the subject does one thing while doing another. It attaches to the masu-stem of a verb (読み, 歩き), dropping ます. It works in both casual and polite sentences.

Example sentences 8

1. 本ほんを読よみながら食事しょくじをしてはいけません。

   Don't eat while reading.

2. 歩きながら本を読んではいけない。

   Do not read while walking.

3. 歩きながら話しましょう。

   Let's talk as we go along.

4. 歩きながら本を読んだ。

   I read a book as I walked.

5. 母は台所でせっせと料理しながら歌を口ずさんでいた。

   Mother hummed to herself as she went about her cooking in the kitchen.

6. 彼女は物思いにふけりながらあちこち歩いていた。

   She was walking to and fro, lost in thought.

7. 冷えたビールでも飲みながら話しましょう。

   Let's talk over a cold beer.

8. 夫は新聞を読みながら、朝ごはんを食べる。

   My husband has his breakfast while reading the newspaper.