つつ（も）Although doing; despite doing
つつ（も） connects a verb to a later fact or action that conflicts with what the first clause would normally lead you to expect. It often describes knowing, intending, or recognizing one thing while acting otherwise.
A conflict between awareness and action
A particularly natural use presents conduct that contradicts what someone knows, thinks, intends, or regrets. The first clause acknowledges the reasonable position; the second reveals what actually happens.
健康に悪いと分かりつつも、私は締め切り前になると徹夜を繰り返してしまう。
Although I know it is bad for my health, I keep pulling all-nighters before deadlines.
AnalyzeThe speaker recognizes the harm but admits to behavior that contradicts that knowledge.
The shorter form can still mean “although”
も is optional. Even bare つつ has a concessive reading when the clauses clearly oppose each other.
担当者は問題があると知りつつ、十分な対策を取らなかった。
Although the person in charge knew there was a problem, they did not take adequate measures.
AnalyzeKnowing about the problem creates an expectation that action will be taken, but the later clause denies that expectation.
Opposing developments
Formal reports and analysis also use this pattern to place two opposing social, economic, or statistical tendencies side by side.
Conflict or simple simultaneity?
When two actions merely overlap and there is no violated expectation, bare つつ means “while doing,” not “although doing.” Read the relationship between the clauses rather than relying on the surface form alone.
音楽を聞きつつ、資料を整理した。
I organized the documents while listening to music.
AnalyzeThis is the separate simultaneous use: the two actions overlap, but they do not conflict.
Do not confuse it with ongoing change
つつある is a separate pattern describing a change that is currently developing. The presence of ある is the clearest sign that this is not the concessive construction.
景気は緩やかに回復しつつある。
The economy is gradually recovering.
AnalyzeThis describes an ongoing change, not a conflict between two clauses.
Choosing a concessive expression
ながら（も） is less strongly tied to writing and can also follow adjectives and nouns in suitable forms. のに is the ordinary general-purpose choice in conversation and can express a more immediate personal reaction. Use つつ（も） when the verb-stem construction and its formal, reflective tone suit the context.
More examples
必要性を認めつつも、予算上の理由から導入を見送った。
Although its necessity was recognized, its introduction was postponed for budgetary reasons.
Analyze不安を抱えつつも、交渉を続けた。
Despite feeling anxious, they continued the negotiations.
Analyze改善の兆しが見られつつも、地域間の格差はなお大きい。
Although there are signs of improvement, the disparities between regions remain substantial.
Analyze無駄だと思いつつ、古いメールを何度も読み返した。
Although I thought it was pointless, I reread the old email again and again.
Analyze謝るべきだと分かりつつも、私は素直になれなかった。
Although I knew I should apologize, I could not bring myself to be honest.
Analyze課題が残っていると認識しつつも、本計画を次の段階へ進めます。
Although we recognize that issues remain, we will move this plan to the next stage.
AnalyzeThis formal sentence would be natural in a prepared presentation or official announcement.
地方の人口は減少しつつも、移住相談の件数は増えている。
Although regional populations are declining, the number of inquiries about relocating to those areas is increasing.
Analyze