ながら

ながら is used to show two actions or states happening at the same time, or to contrast a main action with a subordinate one. It emphasizes simultaneity, meaning “while” or “as.” It can also be used in slightly literary or nuanced expressions after nouns (〜ながら) to comment on a speaker’s situation (e.g.,先生ながら). Commonly, attach ながら to the stem of a verb in ます form (食べる -> 食べながら, 見る -> 見ながら). It can sound slightly formal or literary when attached to nouns or used in certain set phrases. It is not used for sequential actions (that would use 〜て, 〜てから, 〜うちに, etc.). Typical contexts include multitasking in daily life, or expressing a nuanced contrast between two aspects of a situation.