-는 동안에
Used to express two actions or states occurring simultaneously over the same period. Unlike '-(으)면서', the subjects of the two clauses can be different.
Summary
Equivalent
While / During
Also: -(으)면서 (While / As — but same subject required; '-는 동안에' allows different subjects)
Example
While the child was sleeping I finished the housework that had piled up.
아이가 자는 동안에 밀린 집안일을 마쳤어요.
Grammar rules
- '제가 요리하는 동안에 남편은 청소를 했어요.' (While I was cooking, my husband cleaned.) — different subjects.
- '-(으)면서' requires the same subject in both clauses.
Patterns
Verbs (Simultaneous Duration)
Present · Verb Stem + 는 동안에
Nouns (During)
Present · Noun + 동안에
Example sentences
While the child was sleeping I finished the housework that had piled up.
아이가 자는 동안에 밀린 집안일을 마쳤어요.
I plan to study Korean intensively during the vacation.
방학 동안에 한국어를 집중적으로 공부할 계획이에요.
Please take comprehensive notes while the meeting is in progress.
회의가 진행되는 동안에 메모를 빠짐없이 해 주세요.
Conversation
A: Was there anything going on while I was away yesterday?
어제 제가 없는 동안에 무슨 일이 있었어요?
B: Nothing special. It was just quiet.
별일 없었어요. 그냥 조용했어요.
Practice
Fill in the blank
Express a simultaneous duration using '-는 동안에'.
While waiting.
During class.