By Kensei Sensei
In this comprehensive lesson, Kensei Sensei breaks down two indispensable Japanese grammar forms: ながら (nagara) and ~たり~たりする (tari-tari-suru). These structures are central for Japanese learners aiming to describe simultaneous actions or casually list activities in conversation. Perfect for JLPT N5-N3 students, or anyone using popular textbooks like Genki or Minna no Nihongo, this video demystifies how Japanese speakers connect verbs in everyday speech.
The lesson starts by explaining ながら: a grammar structure used to express doing two actions at the same time, such as “listening to music while studying” (音楽を聞きながら勉強します). Kensei details the correct 見ます-stem verb conjugation and clarifies when ながら is appropriate—cautioning against using it with momentary actions (瞬間動詞), which do not naturally occur simultaneously. Example sentences and dialogues help reinforce practical usage, as well as common mistakes to avoid when expressing parallel actions.
Next, the video covers ~たり~たりする, a more flexible way to mention examples of repeated, unordered, or casual activities, like “On weekends, I read and watch movies” (週末は読書をしたり映画を見たりします). Kensei highlights the differences between this form and the て-form, emphasizing its vagueness and utility for listing actions without a fixed sequence. By the end of the lesson, viewers understand the subtle nuance between connecting actions in a set order versus just giving examples.
All throughout, Kensei, a Japanese-Canadian teaching from within Japan, provides practice sentences, common pitfalls, and clear explanations targeted toward self-learners seeking natural fluency. Viewers are also invited to join a language exchange community for further support. Whether you’re preparing for JLPT, brushing up your Japanese conversational skills, or seeking to sound more “native,” this guide covers essential grammar for describing multiple or ongoing actions fluidly.