〜ながら
while doing ~
Show when one action happens in relation to another.
Remember it
Place two moments on a timeline and join them with 〜ながら.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ながら」 means "while doing ~". Structure: Verb stem + ながら. This is a JLPT N4 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
At work
Example 1注意を聞きながら働きます。
ちゅうい を ききながら はたらきます。
chuui o kikinagara hatarakimasu.
I work while listening to the attention.
At work
Example 2生活を聞きながら働きます。
せいかつ を ききながら はたらきます。
seikatsu o kikinagara hatarakimasu.
I work while listening to the daily life.
At work
Example 3事故を聞きながら働きます。
じこ を ききながら はたらきます。
jiko o kikinagara hatarakimasu.
I work while listening to the accident.
At work
Example 4匂いを聞きながら働きます。
におい を ききながら はたらきます。
nioi o kikinagara hatarakimasu.
I work while listening to the smell.
At work
Example 5規則を聞きながら働きます。
きそく を ききながら はたらきます。
kisoku o kikinagara hatarakimasu.
I work while listening to the rule.
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 work while listening to the attention.
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.