mientras
while
The Spanish word 'mientras' is used to mean 'while', typically indicating simultaneous events or a condition that is true as long as something else is happening. For instance, you might say 'Escucho música mientras estudio' to mean 'I listen to music while I study'. It can also be used to imply a contrast, similar to how 'while' is used in English.
Example sentences using: mientras
Mientras tú estás fuera, yo estaré trabajando.
While you are out, I will be working.
This phrase means that the speaker will be working during the time period that the other person is out.
Podemos seguir adelante mientras haya luz.
We can go on as long as there is light.
This phrase is used to convey that action is possible until a particular condition is met, in this case, the presence of light.
Él sigue cantando mientras cocina.
He keeps singing while cooking.
This conveys that the subject is doing two actions simultaneously - singing and cooking.
Mientras aprendes, creces como persona.
As you learn, you grow as a person.
This signifies the correlation between personal growth and learning.
Mientras más leo, más aprendo.
The more I read, the more I learn.
This phrase indicates that the act of reading results in increased learning.
Puedes salir a jugar mientras haces tus tareas.
You can go out to play while you do your homework.
Here, 'mientras' indicates that two actions, going out to play and doing homework, can take place simultaneously.
Mientras estemos juntos, nada puede derribarnos.
As long as we are together, nothing can bring us down.
This phrase shows the condition necessary for the second part of the statement to be true.
Vamos a bailar mientras suena la música.
Let's dance while the music is playing.
This is suggesting a plan of action to be done during the time that another action is happening.
Mientras ella estudia, escucha música.
While she studies, she listens to music.
This phrase describes two simultaneous actions - studying and listening to music.
Mientras hay vida, hay esperanza.
Where there is life, there is hope.
This is a common saying expressing that as long as one is alive, one can continue to hope.