ながらも | Grammar

Structure

[verb ます-stem] + ながらも [i-adj] + ながらも [na-adj] + ながらも [noun] + ながらも [noun] / [na-adj] + でありながらも

Description

ながらも means "although", "despite": the first part is true, and the second holds anyway, which you might not expect. A verb goes into the ます-stem, an い-adjective stays in the dictionary form, and a noun or な-adjective takes ながらも directly, with no だ or な.

、。

Although it's small, this shop is popular.

、。

Although I felt uneasy, I took a step forward.

、。

Although only a child, she's very sensible.

× 感じるながらも → 感じながらも
× 不便なながらも → 不便ながらも

ながらも or ながら

Plain ながら after a verb usually means "while": two actions at once. ながらも only means "although", so the も removes any doubt. After a noun or an adjective, ながら alone is already "although", and も adds weight.

。

I studied while listening to music.

、。

I lied even though I knew it was wrong.

Register

ながらも belongs to writing, speeches and careful speech. In conversation the same contrast is のに or けど.

、。

It's small, but it's a very cosy room.

、。

It's small, but it's a cosy room.

A noun or な-adjective can also take でありながらきごう(もきごう), which is more formal still.

、。

Although he was a beginner, he gave a wonderful performance.

The set phrase ざんねん残念ながら "unfortunately" does not take も: ×残念ながらも.

Examples

、。

Although it is small, this shop is popular.

、。

Even though I knew, I didn't tell her anything.

、。

Despite being busy, I cherish time with my family.

、。

Although he is only a child, he has sensible ideas.

、。

Although I felt uneasy, I took a step forward.

、。

Although it is small, it is a very cozy room.

、。

Despite being a beginner, he gave a wonderful performance.

、。

Although we were poor, we were a happy family.

、。

Even though I was opposed, I kept pursuing my dream.

、。

Although it's a small amount, I keep saving.

、。

Despite being young, she runs a company.

、。

Although it was difficult, I didn't give up until the end.

References

ながらもBunpro