while
The French word for 'while' is 'pendant'. It is used in a similar way to the English 'while', indicating something that is happening at the same time as another action. It can also mean 'during' or 'for' when referring to a span of time. Examples include 'Je lis pendant que tu dors' which translates to 'I read while you sleep' and 'J'ai travaillé pendant trois heures' which means 'I worked for three hours'.
While you sleep, I will read a book.
In this example, 'pendant' is a preposition that demonstrates duration or simultaneity, similar to 'while' in English. The phrase indicates that the speaker will read a book during the time the listener is sleeping.
I ate while you were speaking.
'Pendant' is used here to communicate a simultaneous action. It signifies that the speaker was eating at the same time as the listener was speaking.
She sang during the shower.
In this sentence, 'pendant' means 'during'. It indicates that the singing took place at the same time as the shower.
We learned a lot during our visit.
In this example, 'pendant' refers to during. It says that the speaker and others learned a lot during the course of their visit.
I went to the beach during my holidays.
In this context, 'pendant' refers to the time period (the holidays) during which the speaker went to the beach.
During this period, we had a lot of problems.
Here, 'pendant' is used to denote a time frame (this period) in which the speaker experienced many problems.
He cannot eat during the fast.
'Pendant' in this phrase signifies 'during' and indicates a simultaneous action or situation. The speaker can't eat while they are fasting.
She met a lot of people during the event.
'Pendant' in this sentence means 'during'. It refers to the time frame of the event in which the woman met many people.
They played soccer during the entire match.
In this context, 'pendant' translates as 'during'. It indicates that the participants were playing soccer for the entire duration of the match.
It rained during the summer.
Here, 'pendant' is used to express that the rain occurred in the period of summer. It expresses the duration when it rained.