-(으)면서
Used to express that two actions are happening simultaneously by the same subject. It means 'while doing A, also doing B'.
Summary
Equivalent
While (doing two actions at once)
Also: -며 (While - formal/written)
Example
I watch television while eating.
밥을 먹으면서 텔레비전을 봅니다.
Grammar rules
- Attach '면서' if the verb stem ends in a vowel or ㄹ (e.g., 보면서, 만들면서).
- Attach '으면서' if it ends in a consonant (e.g., 먹으면서).
- The subjects of both clauses MUST be the same person.
- Tense is NOT applied before '-(으)면서'. It is only applied to the final verb of the sentence.
음악을 들으면서 공부했어요. (I studied while listening to music. [Past tense on 공부했어요])
Patterns
Verbs (Consonant)
N/A · Verb Stem + 으면서
Verbs (Vowel/ㄹ)
N/A · Verb Stem + 면서
Example sentences
I watch television while eating.
밥을 먹으면서 텔레비전을 봅니다.
Please do not talk on the phone while driving.
운전하면서 전화하지 마세요.
I talked with my friend while drinking coffee.
커피를 마시면서 친구와 이야기했어요.
Conversation
A: What did you do last evening?
어제 저녁에 뭐 했어요?
B: I read a book while listening to music.
음악을 들으면서 책을 읽었어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Select the correct simultaneous action ending.
Eating and talking.
Walking.