-な adjective modifier

[NihongoSeihuku]

I've always thought -な is used after adjectives that only do not end in "-i," although exception hold for "-ei."
Examples: 新しい人、きれいな人。

But I encountered where な is used after an adjective that ends in "-i":
早く大きくなって両親の手助けがしたい。幼いながらも少女はそう思った。

Perhaps ながらも should be treated as one?

I'd appreciate the help. Thanks

 

[Mike Cash]

You have a word break problem. ながら is one unit unto itself. No relation to the adjectival な.

 

[Toritoribe]

There are many na-adjectives that end with "i", not only "ei".
e.g.
軽快[keikai]
簡易[kan'i]
優位[yuui]
賢明[kenmei]

幼い is an i-adjective.

As Mike-san wrote, ながら is a particle, meaning "though/in spite of" in that case.

 

[NihongoSeihuku]

Gracias!