JLPT N2
つつ
While / Although
Structure
Verb stem つつ
How it works
つつ expresses two simultaneous actions or a contradiction between two states. When expressing 'while,' it is a formal alternative to 〜ながら, often used in written or professional contexts. When expressing 'although,' it highlights a gap between a person's thoughts/knowledge and their actual actions.
Examples
将来の計画を考えつつ、今の仕事に取り組んでいます。
I am working on my current job while thinking about my future plans.
体に悪いと知りつつ、夜食を食べてしまった。
Although I knew it was bad for my health, I ended up eating a midnight snack.
ボランティア活動を通して、多くのことを学びつつあります。
Through volunteer activities, I am currently in the process of learning many things.
Common mistakes
Do not use 'つつ' for casual daily conversations; use 'ながら' instead to avoid sounding overly formal or stiff.
Tip
When you see 'つつある' at the end of a sentence, it functions like 'is currently ...ing' to describe a continuing change or trend (e.g., 'Prices are rising').
More JLPT N2 grammar
See つつ in real Japanese
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