What it means
ながらに expresses an action or condition that accompanies another situation, often meaning “while in the state of,” “with,” or “as one is.” It is especially common in established expressions such as 涙ながらに, meaning “with tears,” and 生まれながらに, meaning “from birth” or “innately.” With a verb stem, it often emphasizes a condition that has existed since a particular point and continues naturally. It is more literary and formal than the ordinary temporal use of ながら, and it is frequently extended to ながらにして.
Usage note
ながらに should not be confused with the more general ～ながら meaning “while doing.” The ながらに construction often describes an accompanying state or an inherent condition rather than two deliberate actions occurring simultaneously.
How to use it
彼は涙ながらに真相を語りました。
He tearfully recounted the truth.
彼女は生まれながらに人の心を見抜く力を備えていました。
She possessed from birth the ability to see through people's hearts.
彼は涙ながらに真相を語った。
He tearfully recounted the truth.
彼女は生まれながらに人の心を見抜く力を備えていた。
She possessed from birth the ability to see through people's hearts.
Example sentences
被災した店主は、涙ながらに再建への支援を訴えた。
The disaster-stricken shop owner appealed for support for rebuilding with tears.
その画家は生まれながらに、色彩を見分ける鋭い感覚を備えていた。
That painter had, from birth, a keen sense for distinguishing colors.
自宅にいながらにして、海外