mientras tanto
/ˌmjentɾas ˈtanto/
The English phrase "in the meantime" is translated into Spanish as mientras tanto.
The phrase is used to describe something that happens during the period between two events.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say 'while' as a conjunction to connect two simultaneous actions (e.g., 'while I cook, you clean'), you can use just mientras instead of the full phrase mientras tanto.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌmjentɾas ˈtanto/
Did you know?
- The word tanto in this phrase is a direct descendant of the Latin 'tantus', which is also the ancestor of the English word 'tantamount'.
- The word mientras can shift from a marker of time to a marker of condition, functioning like the English phrase 'as long as'.
- Spanish speakers sometimes use the single word entretanto as a perfect synonym for mientras tanto to describe the interval between two events.
Examples in context
- Puedes tomarte un tentempié mientras tanto.You can have a snack in the meantime.This sentence shows how to use mientras tanto to suggest an activity during a waiting period.Tatoeba #10094999 by manufrutos, translation #10094783 by ddnktr
- Mientras tanto, corte el pan en cubos y fríalos en aceite hirviendo.In the meantime, cut the bread into cubes and fry them in hot oil.This sentence demonstrates how mientras tanto can be used at the beginning of an instruction.Tatoeba #1712988 by marcelostockle, translation #491907 by swagner
- Él volverá en dos horas, mientras tanto, preparemos la cena.He'll be back in two hours. In the meantime, let's prepare dinner.This sentence illustrates using mientras tanto to connect a future arrival with a task to be done in the interval.Tatoeba #629397 by darinmex, translation #288487 by CK
- La presentación está en marcha. Mientras tanto, podríamos revisar los informes del último trimestre.The presentation is underway, in the meantime, we could review the reports from the last quarter.
- Hemos comenzado el proceso de reclutamiento. Entretanto, debemos asegurarnos de seguir los procedimientos internos.We have started the recruitment process. In the meantime, we must ensure that we follow internal procedures.
- Primero, necesito recoger los documentos. Mientras, puedes hacer un café.First, I need to pick up the documents. In the meantime, you can make coffee.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are waiting for a repairman to arrive at their house.
- JavierEl técnico vendrá a las tres.The technician will come at three.
- LucíaMientras tanto, podemos limpiar la sala.In the meantime, we can clean the living room.
- JavierEs una buena idea, Lucía.That is a good idea, Lucía.
- LucíaYo buscaré la escoba.I will look for the broom.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mientras tanto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mientras, tanto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
