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Sample Sentences for ながら
彼は未知の国々の事実を収集しながら世界中を旅行する。
He travels about the world gathering facts about little known countries.
ブドウを食べながら午後を過ごしました。
We spent the afternoon eating grapes.
その母親はにっこりとほほ笑みながら、彼女の赤ちゃんに手を差し出した。
The mother extended her hand to her baby, smiling brightly.
テレビを見ながら宿題なんて、そんなのダメに決まってるでしょ。
Doing your homework while watching TV, that's obviously wrong.
残念ながら、完全雇用はもう当然の事ではなくなっている。
Unfortunately, full employment can no longer be taken for granted.
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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.