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Even though; while
Definition
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.
Structure
| 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 |
Examples
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
Context
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.
Watch out
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.
Strategy
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).
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-masu stem / A-i / A-na / N + ながらも used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
狭いながらも、楽しい我が家だ。
Pattern used: ながらも
Used with the adjective 'semai' (narrow/small) to show contrast.
子供ながらも、社会のルールをよく知っている。
Pattern used: ながらも
Used with a noun (kodomo) to show an unexpected state ('knows rules well').
残念ながらも、今回の計画は見送りになった。
Pattern used: ながらも
'Zannen nagara mo' is a common idiomatic expression for 'although it is regrettable'.
Interactive
狭い______、楽しい我が家だ。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.