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Sample Sentences for ながら
ケイトはミュージカルのステージの上で澄んだ声で歌いながら、ものすごく輝きました。
With her pure voice, Kate shined outstandingly on the stage of a musical.
洗濯物の山を見ながら、私はため息をついた。
Looking at the pile of laundry, I sighed.
アンネはナチスに捕まるのを恐れながら暮らした。
Anne lived in terror of being captured by Nazis.
彼は、母がギョッとするだろうと思いながら、顔を上げて母を見つめた。
He looked up at his mother, waiting for her to be shocked.
彼女は友達とコーヒーを飲みながらフットボールの試合についておしゃべりした。
She chatted with her friends about the football game over coffee.
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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.