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Sample Sentences for ながら
例によって彼は新聞を読みながら食事をしている。
As is his way, he eats reading a newspaper.
残念ながら、私どもは貴社からのお返事を受け取っていません。
Regrettably, we have not received your reply.
彼女は彼の腕にしがみつきながら歩いた。
She hung on to his arm as they walked.
私は何度も転びながら、坂を下っていった。
I went down the slope, falling again and again.
女の子は踊りながら私のほうに来た。
The girl came dancing toward me.
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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.