mientras
/ˈmjentɾas/
The English word 'while' can be translated to Spanish as mientras. Wiktionary also lists mientras que and mientra (desus.).
Meaning: during the same time that (conj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| mientras | /ˈmjentɾas/ |
| mientras que | /mjentɾas ke/ (from spelling rules) |
| mientra (desus.) | |
| demientra (desus.) |
The primary way to say 'while' is through the conjunction mientras, which is used to mean 'during the same time that'. If you need to refer to an uncertain duration of time or a period of time, you can use the noun rato.
Which one should you use?
While mientras refers to time, the form mientras que is often used to express contrast between two facts, similar to 'whereas' in English. Additionally, if you want to say 'meanwhile' or 'in the meantime', you should use the phrase mientras tanto.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When mientras is used to describe an action that is currently happening or a habitual action, it is followed by the indicative mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmjentɾas/
Did you know?
- The word mientras evolved from the Late Latin phrase dum interim.
Examples in context
- Fue bueno mientras duró.It was good while it lasted.Tatoeba #2801570 by marcelostockle, translation #3065426 by shake0615
- No leas mientras caminás.Do not read while walking.Tatoeba #1444616 by hayastan, translation #320505 by CM
- No como mientras conduzco.I don't eat while I'm driving.Tatoeba #11759992 by Seael, translation #11759981 by CK
- Mientras estudias, presta atención a los detalles.While you study, pay attention to the details.
- El conferencista habló durante una hora mientras todos escuchaban atentamente.The speaker talked for an hour while everyone listened attentively.
- Mientras esperamos al director, el equipo se preparará.While we wait for the director, the team will prepare themselves.
- Me gusta leer durante las vacaciones.I enjoy reading while/on vacation.
- En tanto que esperas tu turno, intenta relajarte.While you wait for your turn, try to relax yourself.
- El país mejoró en tanto que se implementaron nuevas políticas económicas.The country improved while/new policies were implemented.
- En tanto que te trasladas a tu nuevo hogar, no olvides llevar tus pertenencias más valiosas.While you move to your new home, don't forget to take your most valuable belongings.
- Mientras haces la tarea, yo prepararé la cena.While you do your homework, I will prepare dinner.
- Podemos escuchar música mientras limpiamos la casa.We can listen to music while/we clean the house.
- Mientras esperamos el autobús, podemos charlar un rato.While we wait for the bus, we can chat for a while.
- Al estudiar, es importante tomar descansos frecuentes.While studying, it's important to take regular breaks.
- Al cocinar, ten cuidado con el fuego.While cooking, be careful with the fire.
- Al caminar, disfruto de la belleza de la naturaleza.While walking, I enjoy the beauty of nature.
- 436 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are at home on a Saturday morning.
- María¿Qué haces mientras esperas a que hierva el agua?What are you doing while you wait for the water to boil?
- JavierLeo un poco mientras preparo el desayuno.I read a little while I prepare breakfast.
- MaríaPerfecto, yo también leeré algo mientras tú terminas.Perfect, I will also read something while you finish.
- JavierGracias, María, así terminamos más rápido.Thanks, María, that way we finish faster.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “while” translations and entries mientras, mientras que, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries demientra, mientras, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
