Entretanto (en. Meantime)

/entɾeanˈto/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

adverb

Indicates an interval of time in which other actions occur.

I'll get home at six; in the meantime, you can start preparing dinner.

Llegaré a casa a las seis; entretanto, puedes ir preparando la cena.

Expresses the simultaneity of situations or actions.

She studies in her room, meanwhile her brother practices piano.

Ella estudia en su habitación, entretanto su hermano practica piano.

Used to signify a pause or an interlude between events.

The train was delayed; in the meantime, we had a good time at the station.

El tren se retrasó, entretanto pasamos un buen rato en la estación.

It comes from the combination of 'between' and 'so much', indicating a time between two moments.

meantime

In the meantime, something is being awaited or done.

entretanto

and meanwhile

And, in the meantime, suggests a continuation or addition to what has been said.

y entretanto

in the meantime

During the time between two events or situations.

entre tanto

interim

Temporary position.

interino

interval

Period of time between two points or actions.

intervalo

while

Indicates that something occurs at the same time as another thing.

mientras

In a colloquial context, it can be used to indicate that something is expected.

In the meantime, why don’t we do something fun?

Entretanto, ¿por qué no hacemos algo divertido?

Used in everyday language to pause the conversation.

Meanwhile, tell me what you think about the situation.

Entretanto, dime qué piensas de la situación.