GRAMMAR
〜つつも
even while
despite
Explanation
NOTE
〜つつも means even while or despite — you do one thing while aware it contradicts another.
悪いと知りつつも、うそをついた。
Even while knowing it was wrong, I lied.
The speaker acknowledges one fact but acts against it — a sense of internal conflict.
NOTE
It's a formal, literary form often used in writing. The も adds a sense of contrast.
NOTE
Attaches to the verb ます-stem (食べます → 食べつつも, 行きます → 行きつつも).
STRUCTURE
Vます
つつもダイエット中だと思いつつも、ケーキを食べた。
Daietto chuu da to omoitsutsumo, keeki o tabeta.
Even while thinking I was on a diet, I ate cake.
体に悪いと知りつつも、タバコをやめられない。
Karada ni warui to shiritsutsumo, tabako o yamerarenai.
Even while knowing it's bad for my health, I can't quit smoking.
遅れると分かりつつも、家を出なかった。
Okureru to wakaritsutsumo, ie o denakatta.
Despite knowing I'd be late, I didn't leave the house.
Practice exercises
1
危険だと知りつつも、警告にもかかわらず前進した。
Even while knowing it was dangerous, I advanced despite the warning.
Answer
知りつつも
2
悩み悩みつつも、彼は自信に満ちた反面も持っていた。
Even while suffering, he also had a confident side.
Answer
悩みつつも
3
危険だと知りつつも、手伝ったところで状況は変わらない。
Even while knowing it's dangerous, the situation won't change even if I help.
Answer
知りつつも
4
不満を抱き抱きつつも、彼は現状に甘んじていた。
Even while harboring dissatisfaction, he was content with the current situation.
Answer
抱きつつも
5
良心の呵責に苛まれ苛まれつつも、彼は計画を実行した。
Even while tormented by pangs of conscience, he executed the plan.
Answer
苛まれつつも