〜ながら
while ~ / despite
Put the expectation and the surprising or different result together.
Remember it
Turn the sentence in a new direction with 〜ながら.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ながら」 means "while ~ / despite". Structure: Verb stem + ながら. This is a JLPT N3 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 to contrast facts, expectations, people, choices, or results.
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利用を聞きながらメモを取ります。
りよう を ききながら めも を とります。
riyou o kikinagara memo o torimasu.
I take notes while listening to the use.
Everyday life
Example 2指導を聞きながらメモを取ります。
しどう を ききながら めも を とります。
shidou o kikinagara memo o torimasu.
I take notes while listening to the guidance.
Everyday life
Example 3記録を聞きながらメモを取ります。
きろく を ききながら めも を とります。
kiroku o kikinagara memo o torimasu.
I take notes while listening to the record.
Everyday life
Example 4配送を聞きながらメモを取ります。
はいそう を ききながら めも を とります。
haisou o kikinagara memo o torimasu.
I take notes while listening to the shipping.
Everyday life
Example 5通訳を聞きながらメモを取ります。
つうやく を ききながら めも を とります。
tsuuyaku o kikinagara memo o torimasu.
I take notes while listening to the interpretation.
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
I take notes while listening to the use.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ながら.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.