ながら (N4)
While doing
Verb ます stem + ながら
ながら is a particle that attaches to the ます stem of a verb. It means “while doing x”. It describes actions done simultaneously.
- 自転車に乗りながらスマホを使っている – Use a phone while riding a bike
- 本を読みながらお茶を飲む – Drink tea while reading a book.
ながら should attach to the main focus; the action done continuously and not intermittently during another action. It tends to be said in the opposite order in English:
- 運転しながらスマホを使う – Use a phone while driving. – Using phone when there’s a chance.
- スマホを使いながら運転する △ – Drive while using a phone. – Using a phone and driving.
- お茶を飲みながら本を読む – Read a book while drinking tea – Reading a book between drinking tea.
If you’re comfortable with this material, you may check out N3 ながらも
See also ところ and 時