〜つつ

About

〜つつ means "while", and is primarily used in written contexts.

〜つつ has two main usages:

• 

  ① Connecting two contradictory, simultaneous actions, similar to "but/although" in English

• 

  ② Expressing that two actions are performed simultaneously ("do X while doing Y")

This entry concerns usage ②.

Usage ② is used to express that two actions happen simultaneously, but not necessarily at the exact same time (differing from ～ながら).

E.g. 投資とうしをしつつパートで働はたらいています。 "I'm working a part-time job while investing."

E.g. 先輩せんぱいが時々ときどき確認かくにんしつつ、的確てきかくなアドバイスをしてくれる。 "My senior gave me suitable advice while checking in from time to time."

E.g. 無理むりせず、休やすみつつやったほうがいいよ。 "You should do (it) while taking breaks, and not push yourself too hard."

〜つつ shouldn't be used for volitional actions, requests, statements of desire, or conjecture.

Summary

• 

  〜つつ means "while", and is primarily used in written contexts

• 

  〜つつ has two main usages: ① connecting two contradictory, simultaneous actions, similar to "but/although" in English, and ② expressing that two actions are performed simultaneously ("do X while doing Y")

• 

  Usage ② is used to express that two actions happen simultaneously, but not necessarily at the exact same time (differing from ～ながら)

• 

  〜つつ shouldn't be used for volitional actions, requests, statements of desire, or conjecture