How do you use "while" in a sentence?

I'll make tea while you finish your work. While I understand your concerns, I disagree. It's been quite a while since we last met.

while

Q: What does "while" mean?

During the time that; a period of time; although 'While' is a conjunction meaning 'during the time that' or 'although'. As a noun, it refers to a period of time ('wait a while'). In British English, 'whilst' is sometimes used as a more formal alternative. Common expressions include 'once in a while' (occasionally) and 'worth your while' (worth the effort).

Vocabulary Word BritishAmerican ★★★★★ Very Common Neutral

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Meaning: During the time that; a period of time; although

当...的时候；一段时间；虽然

mientras, aunque; un rato

〜している間；しばらく；〜だけれども

~하는 동안; 잠시; ~이지만

'While' is a conjunction meaning 'during the time that' or 'although'. As a noun, it refers to a period of time ('wait a while'). In British English, 'whilst' is sometimes used as a more formal alternative. Common expressions include 'once in a while' (occasionally) and 'worth your while' (worth the effort).

「while」是一个连词，意思是「在...期间」或「尽管」。作为名词，指一段时间（「wait a while」）。在英式英语中，「whilst」有时被用作更正式的替代词。常用表达包括「once in a while」（偶尔）和「worth your while」（值得）。

«While» es una conjunción que significa «durante el tiempo que» o «aunque». Como sustantivo, se refiere a un período de tiempo («wait a while»). En inglés británico, «whilst» se usa a veces como alternativa más formal. Expresiones comunes incluyen «once in a while» (de vez en cuando) y «worth your while» (que vale la pena).

「while」は「〜している間」または「〜だけれども」を意味する接続詞です。名詞としては、時間の期間を指します（「wait a while」）。イギリス英語では、「whilst」がよりフォーマルな代替として使われることがあります。よく使われる表現には「once in a while」（たまに）や「worth your while」（価値がある）などがあります。

'While'은 '~하는 동안' 또는 '~이지만'을 의미하는 접속사입니다. 명사로는 일정한 시간을 가리킵니다('wait a while'). 영국 영어에서는 좀 더 격식 있는 표현으로 'whilst'를 사용하기도 합니다. 흔한 표현으로 'once in a while'(가끔), 'worth your while'(수고할 만한)이 있습니다.

Examples

I'll make tea while you finish your work.
你完成工作的时候我来泡茶。
Prepararé té mientras terminas tu trabajo.
あなたが仕事を終える間、お茶を入れますね。
당신이 일을 마치는 동안 제가 차를 끓일게요.
While I understand your concerns, I disagree.
虽然我理解你的担忧，但我不同意。
Aunque entiendo tus preocupaciones, no estoy de acuerdo.
あなたの懸念は理解しますが、私は同意しません。
당신의 우려는 이해하지만, 저는 동의하지 않습니다.
It's been quite a while since we last met.
我们上次见面已经有好一段时间了。
Ha pasado bastante tiempo desde la última vez que nos vimos.
最後に会ってからかなり経ちましたね。
마지막으로 만난 지 꽤 오래되었네요.

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Context: general

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old English 'hwīl' meaning 'a space of time'. Related to German 'Weile' (a while). The conjunction use ('while I was sleeping') developed from the noun — 'the while that' was shortened to simply 'while'.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal