GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜つつも
Indicates that a fact contrary to an ongoing state or action holds at the same time.
Examples
危険だと知りつつも、彼は調査を続けた。
Although he knew it was dangerous, he continued the investigation.
Words used
不安を感じつつも、発表を続けた。
Despite feeling anxious, they continued the presentation.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
つつもfollows a verb's masu-stem to describe an action performed despite a state that continues alongside it. - Basic usage:
危険だと知りつつも、彼は調査を続けた。describes continuing the investigation while aware of the danger.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- The subject of both states or actions
- In
知りつつも調査を続けた, the person who knows the danger is the one continuing the investigation. To contrast different people, use a connection that states the separate subjects, as in彼は危険だと知っていたが、私は知らなかった.
- In
- Nagaramo and register
不安を感じつつもcan express a concession similar to不安を感じながらも.つつもsuits written or relatively formal explanations.