Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 4: 2/18

つつWhile, And

Structure

Verb［stem］+ つつ

Details

  • Formal

About つつ

つつ is a particle in Japanese that appears after the ます-stem form of verbs. When used, it indicates that (B) is an action that is happening at the same time as (A). This usually translates simply as 'while (A), (B)'.

つつ is a formal grammar structure and will appear in writing more than in speech.

Caution

Unlike ながら, つつ is used more often when the (A) action is an ongoing state, rather than an actual physical action that involves movement. ながら may be used for both physical motions and states.

Despite this, the (B) action in つつ sentences may either be physical movements or ongoing states.

Related

Examples

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    ツバメは飛行(ひこう)しつつ、寝(ね)ることができる。

    The swallow can sleep while flying.

    布団(ふとん)をしきつつテレビに見入(みい)ってしまった。

    While laying out my futon, I got transfixed by the TV.

    集金(しゅうきん)しつつ、空(あ)き家(や)の調査(ちょうさ)もしています。

    While working as a bill collector, I am also surveying empty houses.

    育児(いくじ)をしつつ、フルタイムで働(はたら)くのは大変(たいへん)なことです。

    Working full time while raising children is really hard.

    父(ちち)の足跡(あしあと)をたどりつつ、自分(じぶん)の生(い)き方(かた)を探(さが)している。

    While following in my father's footsteps, I am searching for how to live my own life.

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つつ – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (6 in total)

  • domi650

    domi650

    Thank you, this immediately sticks out when going through this grammar point lol. It has been over two years since this has been mentioned without change???

  • JDong

    JDong

    Saw this and had the sane thought. Would love if someone could shed some more light on this

  • Asher

    Asher

    Hi all, and apologies for the late reply! It seems that we missed the questions piling up on this one . As is noted on the grammar point explanation, although つつ is more commonly used about non-physical actions, it can and sometimes will be used about physical actions.

    Although not a strict rule, one tendency for つつ (even when it comes to physical actions) is to be used in relation to things that take a significant amount of time, or proceed along in a steady state. In this case it makes it seem like the flying that the bird is doing is something that is occuring in an unchanging state (without sudden changes in speed or direction like in active/conscious flying).

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