〜つつ(も)

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 ①.

For usage ①, つつ may optionally take も for additional emphasis.

E.g. おなかが空すいていないと言いいつつ、ずっとポテチを食たべている。 "They say they're not hungry, but they keep eating chips."

E.g. 悪わるいと知しりつつも嘘うそをついてしまった。 "I know it's wrong, but I told a lie."

E.g. 娘むすめの言葉ことばを信しんじつつも、こっそりメッセージを見みてしまった。 "While I believe what my daughter says, I snuck a look at her messages."

〜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")

• 

  For usage ①, つつ may optionally take も for additional emphasis

• 

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