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Sample Sentences for ながら
彼はその光景を見ながらただ立っていた。
He did nothing but stand watching the scene.
痛む傷口をおさえながら・・・。
Clutching my painful wound...
歌いながら洗顔してたら泡飲んじゃった。
I swallowed a soap bubble when I was washing my face while singing.
先生は、手を振りながら、私に呼びかけた。
The teacher, waving his hand, called to me.
「おはよう」とトムは微笑みながら言った。
"Good morning", said Tom with a smile.
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It's a particle and it means (1st meaning) while (at the same time).
To use this particle on verbs you take the -masu form of the main action verb, and then replace -masu with -nagara.
Ex 1. While
I listen to the radio while I drive.
運転しながら、ラジオを聞きます。
The main action is in front of ながら, the secondary action is after ながら。Aながら = while A.
Ex 2. Despite
Despite living in Holland I'm studying Japanese.
オランダにいながら、日本語を勉強しています。
Context suggests it is possible, but there are better options.
Ex 3. Although
John is weak even though he's tall.
ジョンさんは背が高いながらも、弱いです。
The particle も adds contrast (i.e. as opposed to).
Ex 4. Common expression
I'm sorry but there is (I have) no time.
残念ながら時間がない。
You'll often hear this in spoken language.