〜つつ tsutsu

〜つつ（tsutsu）means “while ...; even though ...”. Attaches to the verb stem with two uses. Formation: V-ます（去ます）＋つつ。状态持续作「〜つつある」

while ...; even though ...

N2

Formation

V-ます（去ます）＋つつ。状态持续作「〜つつある」

Explanation

Attaches to the verb stem with two uses. (1) Like 〜ながら, marking two actions by the same subject happening at the same time, but more literary/formal: 'while doing X.' (2) 〜つつ(も) = 'even though / despite,' expressing that one acts against what one knows/feels (= のに). Also 〜つつある means 'is in the process of ...-ing.' Written, formal register.

Examples

外の景色を眺めつつ、ゆっくりコーヒーを飲んだ。
そとのけしきをながめつつ、ゆっくりコーヒーをのんだ。
I drank my coffee slowly while gazing at the scenery outside.
体に悪いと知りつつ、つい甘い物を食べてしまう。
からだにわるいとしりつつ、ついあまいものをたべてしまう。
Even though I know it's bad for me, I end up eating sweets anyway.

Note

More literary than 〜ながら. The contrastive 'even though' sense usually takes 〜つつも. Distinct from 〜つつある (gradual ongoing change).

FAQ

〜つつ — what does it mean and how is it used?

while ...; even though .... Attaches to the verb stem with two uses. (1) Like 〜ながら, marking two actions by the same subject happening at the same time, but more literary/formal: 'while doing X.' (2) 〜つつ(も) = 'even though / despite,' expressing that one acts against what one knows/feels (= のに). Also 〜つつある means 'is in the process of ...-ing.' Written, formal register.

〜つつ — how do you form it?

V-ます（去ます）＋つつ。状态持续作「〜つつある」

〜つつ — any usage notes?

More literary than 〜ながら. The contrastive 'even though' sense usually takes 〜つつも. Distinct from 〜つつある (gradual ongoing change).

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