Mientras (en. While)

/ˈmjentɾas/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

adverb

Indicates that one action occurs at the same time as another.

While she studies, he listens to music.

Mientras ella estudia, él escucha música.

It is used to express a temporary condition or circumstance.

As long as there is food, don't worry.

Mientras haya comida, no te preocupes.

It is used to introduce a subordinate clause that indicates a time.

While walking, he thought about his problems.

Mientras caminaba, pensaba en sus problemas.

From Latin 'mientras', which comes from 'mentre' and is related to 'inter'.

in the meantime

Indicates that something is done in the interval of time that has passed.

mientras tanto

the more

Indicates that as something happens, another thing increases.

mientras más

while that

Indicates a comparison or contrast between two actions.

mientras que

meanwhile

A form that conveys the same idea of simultaneity.

mientrastanto

There is no notable colloquial usage.

The term 'while' is mainly used in formal contexts.

El término 'mientras' se utiliza principalmente en contextos formales.