JLPT N4 Grammar
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while doing (simultaneous actions)
Category: Time & Sequence
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.
| 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) |
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)
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.
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.
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.
道を ______ 携帯電話を使わないでください。
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