What does mientras in Spanish mean?

What is the meaning of the word mientras in Spanish? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use mientras in Spanish.

The word mientras in Spanish means in the meantime, while, if, it was nice while it lasted, the + [adjective]er ... the + [adjective]er, the more..., the more..., while, meanwhile. To learn more, please see the details below.

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Meaning of the word mientras

in the meantime

adverbio (al mismo tiempo)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Lava tú los platos y, mientras, yo paseo al perro.

You wash the dishes and, in the meantime, I'll walk the dog.

while

conjunción (a la vez que, cuando)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Me gusta escuchar música mientras trabajo.

I like to listen to music while I work.

if

adverbio (introduce condición)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Mientras no reparemos el auto, tendremos que seguir tomando el autobús. Mientras no vengas, no te vas a enterar de nada.

If we don't get the car repaired we'll have to carry on taking the bus.

it was nice while it lasted

expresión (expresa resignación) (nostalgia)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Aunque fue bonito mientras duró, el fin de semana ya terminó y hay que volver a la rutina.

Even though it was nice while it lasted, the weekend is now over and we have to go back to the grind.

the + [adjective]er ... the + [adjective]er

expresión (cuanto más) (short-form adjectives)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Mientras más corto sea el discurso, mejor. Mientras más pronto empieces, mejor.

The shorter the speech, the better. The sooner you start, the better.

the more..., the more...

expresión (cuanto más)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Mientras más pienso en lo que pasó, más me avergüenzo.

The more I think about what happened, the more ashamed I am.

while

locución conjuntiva (en cambio)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Tu secretaria ya llegó, mientras que la mía no.

Your secretary has already arrived, while mine hasn't.

meanwhile

locución adverbial (entre tanto)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Limpia el polvo que, mientras tanto, yo barro la cocina.

You clean up the dust. Meanwhile, I'll sweep the kitchen.

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