〜つつ／つつも: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (masu-stem)+つつ+clause
• verb (masu-stem)+つつも+clause

How it is used

Follows the masu-stem. It means 'while', like 「〜ながら」 but more formal, or 'although', usually as 「〜つつも」 with verbs such as 「思う」 or 「知る」: 「悪いと思いつつ」.

Examples

1. 悪いと思いつつも今日も寝坊をした。

   Although I feel it's bad/wrong, I overslept again today.

2. 窓の外の景色を楽しみつつ、ゆっくり食事をした。

   I took my time over the meal while enjoying the view outside the window.

3. 体に悪いと知りつつも、つい夜遅くまでゲームをしてしまう。

   I know it's bad for me, yet I end up playing games late into the night.