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while doing (simultaneous actions)
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-ます(stem) + ながら' is used to describe two actions performed by the same person at the same time. The main action is expressed in the second clause, and the secondary action is described as happening simultaneously. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of simultaneous actions, and it can be used in various contexts such as daily conversations, stories, and descriptions.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu-stem | V-ます(stem) + ながら | tabe nagara (while eating) |
| Masu-stem with -te form | V-ます(te form) + ながら | tabete nagara (while eating) |
| Masu-stem with -te form (past) | V-ました(te form) + ながら | tabemashite nagara (while having eaten) |
Examples
道を歩きながら、携帯電話を使わないでください。
Michi o arukinagara, keitai denwa o tsukawanai desu ka?
Please don't use your mobile phone while walking.
道を歩きながら (while walking), 携帯電話を使わないでください (don't use your mobile phone)
テレビを観ながら、ご飯を食べるのは行儀が悪いです。
Terebi o miru nagara, gohan o taberu no wa girei ga warui desu.
Watching TV while eating is bad manners.
テレビを観ながら (while watching TV), ご飯を食べるのは (eating)
お茶を飲みながら、少し話をしましょう。
Ocha o nomi nagara, sukoshi hanashi o shimashou.
Let's talk a bit while drinking tea.
お茶を飲みながら (while drinking tea), 少し話をしましょう (let's talk a bit)
花を植えながら、土を固めます。
Hana o uenagara, tsuchi o katamemasu.
We plant flowers while compacting the soil.
花を植えながら (while planting flowers), 土を固めます (compact the soil)
車を運転しながら、音楽を聞きます。
Kuruma o untenshinagara, ongaku o kikimasu.
We listen to music while driving.
車を運転しながら (while driving), 音楽を聞きます (listen to music)
Context
This pattern is used to describe two actions performed by the same person at the same time. It is often used in casual conversations and in descriptions of daily activities. The main action is expressed in the second clause, and the secondary action is described as happening simultaneously. This pattern can be used in various contexts, including stories, descriptions, and daily conversations.
Watch out
Using the dictionary form instead of the masu-stem can change the meaning of the sentence and make it incorrect. For example, 'taberu nagara' instead of 'tabe nagara' would mean 'while eating' instead of 'while doing something and eating'.
If the subjects of the two actions are different, you should use 'aida' instead of 'nagara'. For example, 'John wa hon o yonda aida, Mary wa eigo o benkyo shita' (John was reading a book while Mary was studying English).
Make sure to identify the main action (clause 2) and the secondary action (clause 1) correctly. This will help you to use the pattern correctly and avoid confusion.
Strategy
In the JLPT exam, you may encounter this pattern in various contexts, including reading comprehension and listening sections. Make sure to practice using this pattern in your daily conversations and in reading and listening exercises.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-ます(stem) + ながら used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
道を 歩きながら 携帯電話を使わないでください。
Pattern used: 歩きながら
'Aruki' is the masu-stem of 'aruku', required for the 'nagara' construction.
テレビを 見ながら ご飯を食べるのは行儀が悪いです。
Pattern used: 見ながら
'Mi' is the stem of 'miru'; 'nagara' attaches directly to the stem.
お茶を 飲みながら 、少し話をしましょう。
Pattern used: 飲みながら
'Nagara' is best for two continuous actions (drinking tea and talking) performed by the same person.
Interactive
道を ______ 携帯電話を使わないでください。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.