Introduction
In this blog, we’ll learn how to use -ながら (-nagara) to talk about doing two actions at the same time. It’s a useful structure to express multitasking in Japanese.
What It Means
The –ながら (-nagara) pattern is used to describe two actions happening simultaneously. It means “while doing [Verb 1], [Verb 2] happens.” The first verb uses the stem form (the part before –ます (masu)), and the second verb can be in any form.
For example:
- 私はいつも音楽を聞きながら勉強します。
(Watashi wa itsumo ongaku o kikinagara benkyou shimasu.)
I always study while listening to music.
When You Use It
Use –ながら (-nagara) when you want to express that one person is doing two actions at the same time.
For example:
- りくさんは歌を歌いながら洗濯しています。
(Riku-san wa uta o utainagara sentaku shiteimasu.)
Riku is doing laundry while singing a song.
Examples
- アルバイトをしながら学校に行くのは大変です。
(Arubaito o shinagara gakkou ni iku no wa taihen desu.)
It is not easy to go to school while holding a part-time job. - テレビを見ながらご飯を食べます。
(Terebi o minagara gohan o tabemasu.)
I eat while watching TV. - 本を読みながらお茶を飲みます。
(Hon o yominagara ocha o nomimasu.)
I drink tea while reading a book.
Note
The two verbs connected by -ながら (-nagara) must be actions performed by the same person. You cannot use -ながら to describe an action performed by someone else while another person does something.
マリアさんが買い物しながら、りくさんは部屋を掃除します。
(Maria-san ga kaimono shinagara, Riku-san wa heya o souji shimasu.)
While Maria does shopping, Riku cleans the room.
(Incorrect: Two different people doing different actions)
マリアさんが買い物する時、りくさんは部屋を掃除します。
(Maria-san ga kaimono suru toki, Riku-san wa heya o souji shimasu.)
When Maria goes shopping, Riku cleans the room.
Conclusion
The -ながら (-nagara) pattern is a simple and effective way to express two actions happening at the same time by one person.
Recommended Resources
For a deeper understanding of -nagara, I recommend “A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar.“ This book offers clear explanations and detailed examples for different grammar patterns, including the use of -nagara to express simultaneous actions.
