〜ながらに
while remaining ~
Show when one action happens in relation to another.
Remember it
Place two moments on a timeline and join them with 〜ながらに.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ながらに」 means "while remaining ~". Structure: Noun / Verb stem + ながらに. This is a JLPT N1 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it for routines, status updates, sequences, and telling stories.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1彼は涙ながらに統治を語った。
かれ は なみだ ながら に とうち を かたった。
kare wa namida nagara ni touchi o katatta.
He spoke of the governance in tears.
Everyday life
Example 2彼は涙ながらに勝訴を語った。
かれ は なみだ ながら に しょうそ を かたった。
kare wa namida nagara ni shouso o katatta.
He spoke of the winning a lawsuit in tears.
Everyday life
Example 3彼は涙ながらに国際化を語った。
かれ は なみだ ながら に こくさいか を かたった。
kare wa namida nagara ni kokusaika o katatta.
He spoke of the internationalization in tears.
Everyday life
Example 4彼は涙ながらに衰弱を語った。
かれ は なみだ ながら に すいじゃく を かたった。
kare wa namida nagara ni suijaku o katatta.
He spoke of the weakening in tears.
Everyday life
Example 5彼は涙ながらに偵察を語った。
かれ は なみだ ながら に ていさつ を かたった。
kare wa namida nagara ni teisatsu o katatta.
He spoke of the reconnaissance in tears.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
He spoke of the governance in tears.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ながらに.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.