JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
Search pages and navigate
· Upper Intermediate
Even though; while
Category: Contrast & Opposition
The grammar pattern 'V-masu stem + つつも' is used to express a contrast between an action or state and a conflicting thought or knowledge. It is a slightly formal expression primarily used with verbs of thought or speech, such as '知り' (know), '思う' (think), and '言う' (say). This pattern emphasizes the idea that despite knowing or thinking something, an action or state still occurs. It is often used to express regret or disappointment.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-masu stem | V-masu stem + つつも | 知りつつも |
| V-masu stem with ない | V-masu stem ない + つつも | 知らなくても |
| V-masu stem with せる | V-masu stem せる + つつも | 知らせても |
体に悪いと知りつつも、つい甘いものを食べてしまう。
Karada ni warui to shiri tsutsu mo, tsui amai mono o tabete shimau.
Despite knowing that it's bad for my body, I end up eating sweet things.
体に悪いと知り (knowing it's bad for my body) つつも (despite knowing) つい (just) 甘いものを食べてしまう (end up eating sweet things)
今日こそ勉強しようと思いつつも、また一日が終わってしまった。
Kyou koso benkyou shiyou to omoitsutsu mo, mata ichinichi ga owatte shimatta.
Despite thinking that today is the day to study, I ended up not studying again.
今日こそ勉強しようと思い (thinking that today is the day to study) つつも (despite thinking) また (again) 一日が終わってしまった (ended up not studying)
早く返事を書かなければならないと気にしつつも、つい遅くなってしまった。
Hayaku kaetisu o kakenakereba naranai to ki ni shitsutsu mo, tsui osoi ni natte shimatta.
Despite feeling that I need to write a reply quickly, I ended up being late.
早く返事を書かなければならないと気にし (feeling that I need to write a reply quickly) つつも (despite feeling) つい (just) 遅くなってしまった (ended up being late)
This pattern is used to express a contrast between an action or state and a conflicting thought or knowledge. It is a slightly formal expression and is primarily used with verbs of thought or speech. It is often used to express regret or disappointment. In terms of register, this pattern is formal and is not typically used in casual conversation.
This pattern can only be used with V-masu stem verbs, not with nouns or adjectives.
～つつ is used to express a simultaneous action, whereas 'V-masu stem + つつも' is used to express a contrast between an action or state and a conflicting thought or knowledge.
～ながら is a less formal expression used to express a simultaneous action, whereas 'V-masu stem + つつも' is a slightly formal expression used to express a contrast between an action or state and a conflicting thought or knowledge.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct V-masu stem verb and to express a clear contrast between the action or state and the conflicting thought or knowledge. Pay attention to the nuance of the sentence and make sure it is formal and slightly polite.
体に悪いと知り______、つい甘いものを食べてしまう。
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.