つつ

particle

while; as

Attaches to the -masu stem of a verb. Describes two actions occurring simultaneously, often with a literary or formal tone. Also used in the pattern つつある to indicate an ongoing change or process.

See also: つつある

• 彼かれは働はたらきつつ学がっ校こうに通かよっている。

  He attends school while working.

• 状じょう況きょうは改かい善ぜんされつつある。

  The situation is gradually improving.

particle

even though; despite

Often used in the pattern つつも. Expresses a contrast between an expected outcome and the actual situation, similar to ながらも but more literary.

See also: つつも

• 悪わるいと知しりつつ、嘘うそをついてしまった。

  Even though I knew it was wrong, I ended up telling a lie.

• 彼かれは体たい調ちょうが悪わるいつつも、会かい議ぎに出しゅっ席せきした。

  Despite feeling unwell, he attended the meeting.