GRAMMAR
〜つつ
while (doing A, also B)
Explanation
NOTE
〜つつ means while doing X — it expresses two simultaneous actions performed by the same subject.
音楽を聞きつつ、勉強する。
I study while listening to music.
つつ is more literary and formal than ながら; it is common in writing and speeches.
NOTE
〜つつ attaches to the masu-stem of a verb. The main action is the second clause, while 〜つつ describes the accompanying action.
NOTE
Both subjects must be the same person, and both actions are usually ongoing or deliberate.
STRUCTURE
Vます
つつ将来のことを考えつつ、勉強しています。
Shōrai no koto o kangae-tsutsu, benkyō shite imasu.
I am studying while thinking about my future.
友達と話しつつ、駅まで歩きました。
Tomodachi to hanashi-tsutsu, eki made arukimashita.
I walked to the station while talking with my friend.
テレビを見つつ、夕飯を食べます。
Terebi o mi-tsutsu, yūhan o tabemasu.
I eat dinner while watching TV.
景色を楽しみつつ、山道を歩いた。
Keshiki wo tanoshimitsutsu, yamamichi wo aruita.
I walked along the mountain path while enjoying the scenery.
将来のことを考えつつ、コーヒーを飲んだ。
Shourai no koto wo kangaetsutsu, koohii wo nonda.
I drank coffee while thinking about the future.
新聞を読みつつ、朝食を取る。
Shinbun wo yomitsutsu, choushoku wo toru.
I have breakfast while reading the newspaper.
Practice exercises
1
彼は未だに考え考えつつ歩いている。
He is still walking while thinking.
Answer
考えつつ
2
彼女は歌い歌いつつ帰る途中だ。
She is on her way home while singing.
Answer
歌いつつ
3
彼は本を読み読みつつ、やがて眠りに落ちた。
He fell asleep before long while reading a book.
Answer
読みつつ
4
困難に直面し直面しつつ、努力を続ける。
While facing difficulties, one continues to make efforts.
Answer
直面しつつ
5
過去を振り返り振り返りつつ、未来を計画する。
While reflecting on the past, one plans for the future.
Answer
振り返りつつ