JLPT N4 grammar comparison
〜ながら "while doing" vs 〜たまま "as it is / leaving something in a state"
By Nihongo PathUpdated
The difference
From the 〜ながら "while doing" lesson
〜たまま "as it is / leaving something in a state": たまま is a state that remains (窓を開けたまま) plus an action. ながら needs two actions.
From the 〜たまま "as it is / leaving something in a state" lesson
〜ながら "while doing": ながら links two actions (見ながら食べる). まま links a state to an action (つけたまま寝る).
Side by side
〜ながら "while doing"
nagara · JLPT N4
- Meaning
- Two actions by the same subject at the same time; the main action is the second clause.
- Formation
V-ます stem + ながら + main clause: 聞きながら勉強する, 食べながら話す, しながらBoth actions must have the same subjectThe main (more important) action comes lastNot used with states or adjectives in this meaning
音楽を聞きながら勉強します。
おんがくを ききながら べんきょうします。
I study while listening to music.
歩きながら電話をしないでください。
あるきながら でんわを しないでください。
Please don't talk on the phone while walking.
〜たまま "as it is / leaving something in a state"
ta mama · JLPT N4
- Meaning
- A state remains unchanged while another action happens (often something that should have been changed).
- Formation
V-た + まま: つけたまま, 開けたまま, 座ったままV-ない + まま: 何も食べないままNoun + のまま: 靴のまま, そのままな-adjective + なまま: きれいなまま; い-adjective + まま: 熱いまま
電気をつけたまま寝てしまった。
でんきを つけたまま ねてしまった。
I fell asleep with the light on.
窓を開けたまま出かけないでください。
まどを あけたまま でかけないでください。
Don't go out leaving the window open.
Full lesson on 〜たまま "as it is / leaving something in a state"
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 〜ながら "while doing" and 〜たまま "as it is / leaving something in a state"?
たまま is a state that remains (窓を開けたまま) plus an action. ながら needs two actions.
When do you use 〜たまま "as it is / leaving something in a state" instead of 〜ながら "while doing"?
ながら links two actions (見ながら食べる). まま links a state to an action (つけたまま寝る).