JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
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· Upper Intermediate
Even though; while
Category: Contrast & Opposition
The grammar pattern "V-masu stem / A-i / A-na / N + ながらも" is used to express contrast and opposition, indicating that despite a certain state or condition, something else is true. It is a versatile pattern that can follow nouns and adjectives, making it more flexible than the pattern "～つつも". The pattern is often used to highlight a contrast between two ideas or situations, and it can be used in a variety of contexts, including in formal and informal writing and speech.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-masu stem | V-masu stem + ながらも | 食べる + ながらも |
| A-i | A-i + ながらも | 高い + ながらも |
| A-na | A-na + ながらも | 楽しい + ながらも |
| N | N + ながらも | 家 + ながらも |
狭い部屋ながらも、楽しい我が家だ。
せいいうみながらも、らくしいわがいえだ。
Despite the small room, it's a happy home.
狭い部屋: small room, ながらも: despite, 楽しい我が家: happy home
子供が社会のルールをよく知っているにもかかわらず、まだ問題が起こっている。
こどもがしゃかいのはろくをよくしっているとにもかかわらず、まだもんだがおこっている。
Despite the fact that children know the social rules well, problems are still occurring.
子供が: children, 社会のルールをよく知っている: know the social rules well, にもかかわらず: despite, まだ問題が: still problems, おこっている: occurring
残念ながらも、今年の夏は雨が降った。
ざんねんながらも、ことしのはははあまがふった。
Unfortunately, it rained this summer.
残念ながらも: unfortunately, 今年の夏: this summer, 雨が: rain, 降った: fell
新しい家に引っ越すにもかかわらず、まだ家具が足りない。
あたらしいいえにひっこすにもかかわらず、まだがぐがたりない。
Despite moving to a new house, there is still not enough furniture.
新しい家に: new house, 引っ越す: move, にもかかわらず: despite, まだ家具が: still furniture, 足りない: not enough
This pattern is used to express contrast and opposition, and it can be used in a variety of contexts, including in formal and informal writing and speech. It is often used to highlight a contrast between two ideas or situations. The pattern can be used with both nouns and adjectives, making it a versatile and flexible pattern.
The pattern requires the V-masu stem, not the V-plain form. For example, "食べる + ながらも" is correct, but "食べ + ながらも" is incorrect.
The pattern ながらも is used to express contrast and opposition, while nagara is used to indicate simultaneous actions. For example, "食べる + ながらも" is correct, but "食べる + nagara" is incorrect.
The pattern ～つつも is more restricted to verbs, while ながらも can be used with both nouns and adjectives. For example, "食べる + ながらも" is correct, but "食べる + ～つつも" is incorrect.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, be careful to use the correct form of the verb and to choose the correct word to contrast with. Also, be aware of the difference between this pattern and the 'while' usage (V-masu + nagara).
狭い______、楽しい我が家だ。
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