What it means
つつ attaches to the masu-stem of a verb. It expresses two related ideas: two actions happening at the same time, meaning “while,” or a contrast between an expected situation and a fact, meaning “even though.” The simultaneous-action use often suggests that the two actions have the same subject. This construction is formal and is especially common in written, academic, business, and official language.
Usage note
つつ is more formal than ながら and is uncommon in casual conversation. For the concessive meaning, つつも is often used when the contrast needs to be stated clearly. Do not confuse this form with つつある, which means that something is currently in progress or developing.
How to use it
彼は資料を確認しつつ、報告書を作成します。
He prepares the report while checking the materials.
彼は資料を確認しつつ、報告書を作成する。
He prepares the report while checking the materials.
Example sentences
資料を確認しつつ、会議の要点を記録した。
While checking the materials, I recorded the main points of the meeting.
費用が高いと知りつつも、父は長年使える自転車を購入した。
Even though my father knew it was expensive, he bought a bicycle that he could use for many years.
地域の歴史を学