〜つつ
Formation
Meaning
Used to express that an action or thought continues despite having a conflicting knowledge or feeling. It is equivalent to '〜けれども' but more formal and written.
Note
Commonly used with verbs related to mental state like '知る' (to know), '思う' (to think), or '感じる' (to feel). It indicates a conflict between a person's thoughts and their actions. 'つつも' is a more emphatic version.
Examples
体に悪いと知りつつも、ついお酒を飲みすぎてしまう。
Even though I know it's bad for my body, I unintentionally drink too much alcohol.
早く返事を書かなければと思いつつ、まだ出していない。
Although I think I should write a reply soon, I still haven't sent one.
ダイエット中だと自覚しつつ、ケーキを三つも食べてしまった。
While being self-aware that I'm on a diet, I ended up eating three pieces of cake.
彼女は将来に不安を感じつつ、新しい生活を始めた。
Even though she felt anxious about the future, she started a new life.
危険だと分かりつつ、彼は一人で山に入っていった。
Although he knew it was dangerous, he went into the mountains alone.
改善が必要だと認識しつつも、なかなか手がつけられない。
Even though we recognize that improvement is necessary, we can't quite get around to it.