ながらも
But, Even while, Even though, Despite, Although
Structure
［い］Adjective + ながら(も)
［な］Adjective + ながら(も)
Noun + ながら(も)
Explanation
The grammar point ながらも is formed by attaching the adverbial particle も to the conjunction particle ながら. The particle ながら originates from the kanji 乍ら and retains its core meaning of 'while'. Consequently, ながらも expresses a sense of 'although (A), (B) happened', or 'even while (A), (B) was also true'.
Typically, ながらも is used to convey a sense of surprise that two contrasting states, (A) and (B), exist simultaneously. It can be attached to the conjunctive form of verbs, as well as to い-Adjectives, な-Adjectives, and nouns.
- 彼は事実を知っていながらも、黙っていた。Although he knew the truth, he remained silent.
- 生活に困りながらも、彼女はいつも明るい。Even while struggling with her daily life, she's always cheerful.
- この辺りは不便ながらも、住みやすいです。Although this area is inconvenient, it's a comfortable place to live.
- 彼は子供ながらも、大人のような意見を持っている。Even though he is a child, he has opinions like an adult.
The function of ながらも is to draw attention to a second clause that occurs despite the ongoing state of the first clause, which can be expressed in Japanese as 'そのままで後に続く事'. For this reason, ながらも is best suited for verbs that describe a condition or state (such as an emotion), not for those that describe a progressive action.
- 悪いと分かっていながらも、つい嘘をついてしまった。 (Action)Even while knowing it was wrong, I ended up telling a lie. (Action)
- 心配しながらも、息子の成功を信じていた。 (Feeling)Although I was worried, I believed in my son's success. (Feeling)
Examples
何度も失敗し乍らも、彼は諦めなかった。
Despite failing many times, he never gave up. (even while)
彼女は学生であり乍らも、自分の会社を経営している。
Despite being a student, she runs her own company. (even while)
毎日忙しい乍らも、充実した日々を送っている。
Although I'm busy every day, I'm living a fulfilling life. (even while)
残念乍らも、彼の提案は却下された。
Although it was regrettable, his proposal was rejected. (even while)
本当は困ってい乍らも、彼女は誰にも助けを求めなかった。
Despite actually being in trouble, she didn't ask anyone for help. (even while)
彼は子供乍らも、大人のような発言をする。
Although he's just a child, he says things that you'd expect from an adult. (even while)
迷い乍らも、一番高いケーキを選んだ。
Despite my hesitation, I chose the most expensive cake. (even while)
この店は静か乍らも、確かな存在感がある。
Although this shop is quiet, it has a definite presence. (even while)
親友との別れを悲しみ乍らも、彼の新しい門出を祝った。
While sad about parting with my best friend, I celebrated his new beginning. (even while)
小さい乍らも、よく手入れされた庭だ。
Although it's small, it's a well-kept garden. (even while)
寒さで震え乍らも、救助を待ち続けた。
Despite trembling from the cold, I kept waiting for rescue. (even while)
初心者乍らも、彼は見事な作品を作り上げた。
Although just a beginner, he created a magnificent piece of work. (even while)