GRAMMAR
〜つつ（も） ②
although
despite
Explanation
NOTE
〜つつ（も） means although / despite — it marks a contrast between two facts.
悪いと知りつつも、うそをついた。
Although I knew it was wrong, I told a lie.
NOTE
It is formal and literary. Adding も strengthens the contrast, like and yet.
体に悪いと思いつつも、たばこをやめられない。
Even though I think it is bad for my health, I cannot quit smoking.
The speaker recognizes one fact but acts against it — a typical contrast pattern.
NOTE
Attach つつ（も） to the verb stem (the ~ます form without ます).
STRUCTURE
Vます
つつ（も）勉強しなければと思いつつも、テレビを見てしまった。
Benkyou shinakereba to omoitsutsumo, terebi o mite shimatta.
Although I thought I had to study, I ended up watching TV.
危ないと知りつつ、彼は川に入った。
Abunai to shiritsutsu, kare wa kawa ni haitta.
Despite knowing it was dangerous, he went into the river.
無理だと感じつつも、挑戦し続けた。
Muri da to kanjitsutsumo, chousen shitsuzuketa.
Even though I felt it was impossible, I kept trying.
Practice exercises
1
悪いと知りつつも、うそをついた。
Although I knew it was wrong, I told a lie.
Answer
知りつつも
2
体に悪いと思いつつも、たばこをやめられない。
Even though I think it is bad for my health, I cannot quit smoking.
Answer
つつも
3
無理だと感じつつも、挑戦し続けた。
Even though I felt it was impossible, I kept trying.
Answer
感じつつも
4
散歩がてら、やらなければならないと分分りつつも、なかなか行動に移せない。
While on a walk, although understanding what needed to be done, I couldn't quite bring myself to act.
Answer
分りつつも分りつつ
5
心配しつつも、敢えて見守るしかなかった。
Although I was worried, I had no choice but to dare to watch over them.
Answer
つつもつつ
6
内心では彼の意見に反対しつつも、表面上は同意するふりをした。
Although I opposed his opinion inwardly, I pretended to agree on the surface.
Answer
つつもつつ
7
危険だと知知りつつも、彼はその挑戦にかかわる。
Although knowing it was dangerous, he got involved in that challenge.
Answer
知りつつも知りつつ
8
矛盾を抱え抱えつつも、その計画を推進せざるを得ない状況だった。
Although having contradictions, it was a situation where the plan had to be pushed forward.
Answer
抱えつつも抱えつつ