while
word
/ˈhwaɪɫ/, /ˈwaɪɫ/
WYL
/wˈaɪl/
WYL
Definition
Used to show that two events happen at the same time or to mean 'although' or 'despite the fact that'.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Often appears in phrases like 'while I was...' (actions happening simultaneously) and 'while it may be true...' (contrast). Can confuse learners with 'during' or 'when' as it focuses more on simultaneous or contrasting actions.
Spanish: mientras - rato - aunquePortuguese (BR): enquanto - enquanto dura - emboraPortuguese (PT): enquanto - durante - emboraChinese (Simplified): 当...的时候 - 一会儿 - 虽然Chinese (Traditional): 當...的時候 - 一會兒 - 雖然Hindi: जब तक - थोड़ा समय - जबकिArabic: بينما - لبعض الوقت - رغم أنBengali: যখন - যদিওRussian: пока - хотяJapanese: 間（あいだ） - 一方で - ～けれどもVietnamese: trong khi - mặc dùKorean: 동안 - 반면에 - 비록 ~일지라도Turkish: iken - -duğu haldeUrdu: جبکہ - حالانکہIndonesian: sambil - sementara - meskipun
Example Sentences
While I see your point, I still disagree.
natural
We can catch up on the phone while you wait.
natural
While it's expensive, it's worth the price.
natural
I listened to music while I cooked dinner.
basic
She stayed home while it was raining.
basic
He talked on the phone while driving.
basic