つつ
While (formal) / Despite
tsutsu
TypeConjunctive
JLPT Leveln2
Summary
Formal/literary version of ながら. Expresses simultaneous action or a concessive meaning with つつも.
Usage Rules
- •Simultaneous action: formal version of ながら
- •〜つつも = despite doing (concessive)
- •More formal and literary than ながら
- •Used with verb stem
- •Common in written Japanese and formal speech
- •つつある = currently in progress (progressive)
Example Sentences
あるきつつかんがえた。
I thought while walking.
わるいとしりつつもやってしまった。
Despite knowing it was bad, I did it.
日本は今へんかしつつある。
Japan is currently changing.
そういいつつかれはわらっていた。
He was laughing even as he said that.
こんなんをかんじつつもがんばっている。
Despite feeling difficulties, I'm doing my best.
Common Mistake
Using つつ in casual conversation (sounds too literary — use ながら instead).