Meaning
This grammar pattern describes two actions happening at the same time. The first verb is in masu-stem form (ます形 without ます) and is followed by ながら, while the second verb expresses the main action or describes what happens simultaneously. Both actions are performed by the same subject.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞1（ます形） | 動詞1ます形 + ながら、動詞2 |
Examples
-
留学生は いつも アルバイトしながら、大学で 勉強します。
The exchange student is always studying at university while working part-time. -
山田さんは コーヒーを 飲みながら、アニメを 見ています。
Yamada is watching anime while drinking coffee. -
私は 歌いながら、運転しました。
I was driving while singing.
Summary
- First verb uses masu-stem + ながら (e.g., 飲みながら, 歌いながら)
- Second verb can be in any tense and carries the main action meaning
- Both actions must be performed by the same person and occur simultaneously