1.
while; as; in the process of
Indicates two actions happening simultaneously. Attaches to the verb stem (masu-form without masu).
2.
although; even though; despite
Indicates a contradiction between what one knows or intends and what actually happens. Often used with も.
A formal conjunctive particle that attaches to the verb stem (masu-form minus masu). It has two distinct uses: simultaneous actions (sense 1) and concessive/contradictory situations (sense 2).
Usage
- Attaches to verb stem: 読みつつ, 考えつつ, 歩きつつ
- Sense 1 (simultaneous): more literary than ～ながら but similar meaning
- ～つつある is a fixed pattern meaning "in the process of ~" (progressive change)
- Sense 2 (concessive): often paired with も → ～つつも (although, despite)
- More formal and literary than ～ながら (sense 1) or ～のに (sense 2)
Common collocations
- 変化しつつある: to be in the process of changing
- 思いつつも: although one thinks
- 知りつつ: while knowing; despite knowing
- 減少しつつある: to be decreasing