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N3

ながらも

But, Even while, Even though, Despite, Although

「こんなことしちゃだめだ」と思おもいながらもやってしまった。

Even while I thought to myself, 'I shouldn't do something like this,' I did it.

Explanation

「〜ながらも」 means 'although ..., yet ...'. It follows a verb stem, an adjective or a noun. The two parts contradict each other, and 「も」 stresses the contrast: 「貧しいながらも幸せだ」 (Poor, but happy). The tone is written and restrained.

Mixed up with

「ながら」 has two meanings: verb stem + ながら is 'while doing' (音楽を聴きながら勉強する); verb stem, adjective or noun + ながら(も) is 'although'.

Fixed phrases: 「残念ながら」 (unfortunately), 「いつもながら」 (as always), 「生まれながらの」 (born with).

Examples

  1. 才能さいのうを持もちながらも、彼かれは色々いろいろと苦労くろうした。

    Although he is talented, he struggled with various things.

  2. 彼女かのじょは悲かなしみを感かんじながらも、笑顔えがおで友達ともだちに話はなしました。

    Even while she was sad, she talked with her friends with a smile on her face.

  3. すこし狭せまいながらも楽たのしい我わが家いえ。

    Although it is a bit small, it is a happy home.

Tested 5 times in past papers

N1 · Dec 2025, Q30N1 · Jul 2025, Q30N2 · Jul 2025, Q32N2 · Jul 2023, Q45N2 · Dec 2010, Q34