ながら(も) (nagara mo): Although or despite
~ながら(も) (nagara mo)
Meaning
Although; despite
Formation and usage
Verb masu-stem, i-adjective, na-adjective stem, or noun + ながら(も), followed by a contrast. This is the concessive use.
Explanation
Present a fact or quality followed by an unexpected contrast, usually about the same subject. This concessive use is different from V-stem nagara for simultaneous actions. Adding mo strengthens the contrast.
Examples
この部屋は狭いながらも、使いやすいです。
Although this room is small, it is practical.
彼は若いながら、豊富な経験を持っています。
Although he is young, he has extensive experience.
悪いと知りながらも、うそをついてしまいました。
Although I knew it was wrong, I told a lie.
残念ながら、明日の会には参加できません。
Unfortunately, I cannot attend tomorrow's gathering.
彼女は忙しいながらも、毎日家族に連絡しています。
Although she is busy, she contacts her family every day.
How related patterns differ
ながらも and つつも express contrast, while ながら and つつ also have separate simultaneous-action uses. 反面 contrasts two aspects of one thing; に反して means contrary to expectations or rules. にかかわらず means the result does not depend on a condition.