JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
while / although
Category: Manner and Method
The grammar pattern "V(Stem) + つつ" is used to describe two actions happening at the same time or a contradiction. It is a more formal and literary version of 〜ながら. The 'while' meaning is used to describe two actions happening simultaneously, whereas the 'although' meaning is used to describe a contradiction or an unexpected situation. This pattern is often used in formal writing or in situations where a more polite tone is required.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb stem (V-Base) | V-Base + つつ | 見る (miru) -> 見つつ (mitsu tsu) |
| Verb stem (V-Base) with -te form | V-Base + てつつ | 見て (mite) -> 見てつつ (mite tsu) |
| Verb stem (V-Base) with -te form and する | V-Base + てつつ + する | 見て (mite) + つつ + する (mite tsu tsu suru) |
将来のことを考えつつ、毎日勉強に励んでいます。
Mira no koto o kangaetsutsu, mainichi benkyou ni tsuyoku nite imasu.
While thinking about the future, I study hard every day.
将来のことを考えつつ (thinking about the future while) + 毎日勉強に励んでいます (studying hard every day)
体に悪いと、つい夜更かしをしてしまうつつあります。
Karada ni warui to, tsui yoru kawakashi o shite shimau tsutsu arimasu.
Although I know it's bad for my body, I tend to stay up late.
体に悪いと (although it's bad for my body) + つい夜更かしをしてしまうつつあります (tend to stay up late)
先生の助言を聞いてつつ、研究を進めています。
Sensei no joen o kikite tsutsu, kenkyuu o tsukimashite imasu.
While listening to the teacher's advice, I am making progress in my research.
先生の助言を聞いてつつ (listening to the teacher's advice while) + 研究を進めています (making progress in research)
This pattern is often used in formal writing or in situations where a more polite tone is required. It is a more literary version of 〜ながら and is not commonly used in casual conversation.
The verb stem is the base form of the verb without the -u ending, whereas the dictionary form is the full form of the verb with the -u ending.
This pattern is not commonly used in casual conversation and is often considered more formal or literary.
The 'while' meaning is used to describe two actions happening simultaneously, whereas the 'although' meaning is used to describe a contradiction or an unexpected situation.
Pay attention to the context and use the correct meaning. Make sure to use the verb stem (V-Base) instead of the dictionary form. This pattern is not commonly used in casual conversation, so be careful not to use it in the wrong context.
将来のことを______、毎日勉強に励んでいます。
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