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Structure

Standard

Verb stem + ながら + Main verb

〜ながら expresses doing two actions simultaneously, meaning "while doing."

Formation: Verb stem (ます-form without ます) + ながら

コーヒーを飲みながら、新聞を読む。

I read the newspaper while drinking coffee.

Key points:

• The main action is the second verb

• The first verb is the accompanying action

• Same subject performs both actions

Two uses:

Simultaneous actions - 歩きながら話す (talk while walking)

Contrasting states - 知っていながら言わない (knows but doesn't say)

Contrast with 〜ている間に:

• ながら - Same person does both

• 間に - Can be different subjects

ながら = while doing (simultaneous)

- 食べながら話す (talk while eating)

Main action comes second

- 音楽を聴きながら勉強する (study while listening)

Both actions by same person

音楽を聴きながら勉強する。

I study while listening to music.

歩きながら電話する。

I talk on the phone while walking.

テレビを見ながらご飯を食べる。

I eat while watching TV.

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