〜ながら: while doing is a JLPT N4 grammar point. Two actions by one person at the same time. Structure: [Verbe-ます (radical)] + ながら. This page explains the construction, gives Japanese examples with furigana readings, and links to related grammar points at this level.

〜ながら: while doing

Structure

[Verbe-ます (radical)] + ながら

Explanation

Attach ながら to the ます-stem to show two simultaneous actions by the same subject. The main action is the second clause; ながら marks the background one: “read a book while taking notes”.

Examples

I watch TV while eating.

I take notes while reading a book.

Quiz preview

  • ながら ✓
  • たくて
  • なくて
  • ましょう

～ながら links two simultaneous actions by one person: eating while watching TV.

  • ながら ✓
  • ています
  • そうに
  • たり

Masu-stem + ながら = doing two things at once: “I do homework while listening to music”.

More N4 grammar points

Potential form (“can do”)〜なければならない: must / have to〜たことがある: have done before〜たら: if / when〜てもいい: permission〜かもしれない: maybe〜てはいけない: must not〜と思います: I think that…〜つもりです: to intend to〜たり〜たりする: doing things like…〜てしまう: completely / regrettably

See all N4 points →

Try the readerAndroid app (beta)