When saying "while" doing something, how do: 間、うち and ながら differ?

Question

I only know aida means a between a space or time and that uchi can only be used with a particle, but other than that, what do these words literally mean , how do you use them and what are the ways they differ?

Answer 1

As for the difference between 間 and うち, see: When describing time span, are 間 {あいだ} and 内 {うち} interchangeable?

ながら is used in the following two situations:

1. To emphasize one is making two different actions simultaneously.

   • 食べながらテレビを見るな。 Don't watch TV while eating.
   • 走りながらラジオを聞いていました。 I was listening to the radio while running.

2. To mean "despite".

   • 彼はプロの野球選手でありながら、ピアノも上手だ。
     He is good at playing the piano despite being a professional baseball player.
   • 貧乏ながら幸せに暮らしています。
     While I'm in poverty, I'm leading a happy life.