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Sample Sentences for ながら
彼らは歌を歌いながら、道を歩いた。
They went along the street singing the song.
彼女は頬に涙を流しながら彼の手紙を読んだ。
She read his letter, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
コーヒーを飲みながら話しましょう。
Let's talk over a cup of coffee.
敵対企業を貶めたり、秘密情報を入手したりと、大企業に欠かせない存在であるため、ハイリスクながらハイリターンが望める仕事だ。
Causing competitors to fail, obtaining confidential information, something that big business just can't do without - high risk but at the same time high return work.
トムは元気を取り戻した。そして、やっぱり、大晦日にはびっこを引きながらもパーティーに参加できた。
Tom took heart and, sure enough, on New Year's Eve he was able to hobble along to a party.
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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.