Tandis (en. While)

/tɑ̃.di/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

conjunction

Used to mark an opposition between two actions or situations.

While you work, I rest.

Tandis que tu travailles, je me repose.

Serves to express simultaneity in time.

While the sun rises, the birds sing.

Tandis que le soleil se lève, les oiseaux chantent.

Can also introduce a condition or restriction.

I will come, while you prepare food for me.

Je viendrai, tandis que tu me prépares à manger.

Comes from the Latin 'tandem' which means 'at that time.'

while

indicates simultaneity or a comparison between two things.

tandis que

while others

to show a contrast with other people or groups.

tandis que d'autres

while I remember

to introduce a thought or observation over time.

tandis que je me souviens

during

marks a duration in time.

pendant

then

indicates a particular moment or situation.

alors

used in informal language to compare situations

We are partying here, while over there it is calm.

On fait la fête ici, tandis que là-bas c'est calme.

used to mark a difference between two choices

I prefer this pizza, while you like sushi.

Je préfère cette pizza, tandis que toi tu aimes les sushis.