〜つつ
つつ
particle
while; although; even as
1.
while; as; in the process of
Indicates two actions happening simultaneously. Attaches to the verb stem (masu-form without masu).
景色を楽しみつつ歩いた。
I walked while enjoying the scenery.
伝統を守りつつ、新しい技術も取り入れている。
While preserving tradition, they are also incorporating new technology.
社会は変化しつつある。
Society is in the process of changing.
2.
although; even though; despite
Indicates a contradiction between what one knows or intends and what actually happens. Often used with も.
悪いと思いつつも、嘘をついた。
Although I felt bad about it, I told a lie.
体に良くないと知りつつ、夜更かしをしてしまう。
Even though I know it's not good for my health, I stay up late.
ダイエットしなければと思いつつも、つい甘いものに手が伸びてしまう。
Even though I think I need to diet, I can't help reaching for sweets.
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
SIMILAR WORDS:
- ～ながら: while — more conversational; interchangeable with sense 1 in many cases
- ～のに: even though — more colloquial equivalent of sense 2
- ～にもかかわらず: despite, notwithstanding — very formal; stronger concessive meaning
- ～一方で: while, on the other hand — presents contrasting situations