JLPT N1 Formal

〜nagara mo

Means 'even though' or 'despite'.

Literary "even though/despite", pairs a state with a contrasting action taken anyway; more literary than にもかかわらず.

Formation

Explanation

The ~ながらも grammar point is used to express contrast, highlighting the difference between what is usually expected from a situation and what actually happens. It can be translated as 'even though' or 'despite.'

Example sentences

  • Despite being poor, he leads a happy life.

    Kare wa mazushii nagara mo, shiawase na seikatsu o okutte iru.

  • Even though I am busy, I exercise every day.

    Boku wa isogashii nagara mo, mainichi undou shiteimasu.

  • Despite being sick, he continued working.

    Byouki nagara mo, kare wa shigoto o tsuzukemashita.

  • Even though it was raining, he went for a walk.

    Ame ga futte iru nagara mo, kare wa sanpo ni dekaketa.

Concession (Even Though / Although / Despite)