〜つつ~tsutsu

How it works

1. 

   The teacher adjusts lessons while listening to students’ views. Both activities happen at the same time.

2. 

   The same subject performs both activities. In the picture, the teacher both listens to views and adjusts lessons.

3. 

   Attach it to the verb form with 「ます」 removed: 聞きます→聞きつつ, します→しつつ.

4. 

   Its meaning is close to 「ながら」, which you have learned, but its tone is more written. It is often used in explanations or formal language.

5. 

   In the school example, both practices continue alongside each other. The school does not first value tradition and then introduce new methods.

Example sentences

• 学校がっこうgakkouはわwa伝統でんとうdentouをo大切にしたいせつにしtaisetsunishiつつ、tsutsu、新しいあたらしいatarashii教育きょういくkyouiku方法ほうほうhouhouをo取り

In a conversation

Check yourself

1. Level 1 · Recognise

   Which sentence is correct?

   A保護者からの進路指導の意見を参考にしつつ、第一志望の大学を選びました。B保護者からの進路指導の意見を参考にしながら、第一志望の大学を選びました。C保護者からの進路指導の意見を参考にしつつ、第一志望の大学を選んだ。D保護者からの進路指導の意見を参考にしつつ、第一志望の大学を選んでいます。

2. Level 1 · Recognise

   Listen and choose the meaning

   AWhile getting used to new devices and teaching materials, we need to keep coming up with ideas to encourage students to establish independent study habits.BWe will consider ways to secure the necessary supplies while keeping costs down.CI listened while taking notes and organized the content.DI monitored the physical condition while keeping the work on schedule.

3. Level 2 · Build

   Put the words in order

   While valuing tradition, the school is introducing new teaching methods.

   しつつ、大切に新しい伝統を学習環境も教育方法をいます。取り入れて学校は
   Check

4. Level 3 · Use

   What goes in the blank?

   学校は伝統を大切に____、新しい教育方法を取り入れています。

   The school is preserving tradition while also adopting new teaching methods.

   Show answer

More grammar in this theme

• 〜つつwhile doing; simultaneous actions

Keep practising