Meaning
Referring to a period of time concurrent with another event.
Cultural Background
Used frequently in professional settings to manage expectations during meetings. Often used in casual conversation to bridge gaps in social plans. Commonly used in daily life, often paired with 'mate' breaks. Used in formal instructions to ensure tasks are completed in parallel.
Use a comma
Always place a comma after 'mientras tanto' when it starts a sentence.
Avoid 'que'
Never add 'que' after 'mientras tanto'.
Meaning
Referring to a period of time concurrent with another event.
Use a comma
Always place a comma after 'mientras tanto' when it starts a sentence.
Avoid 'que'
Never add 'que' after 'mientras tanto'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Yo limpio la cocina; ___________, tú preparas la mesa.
It is the correct adverbial phrase to indicate simultaneous action.
Choose the grammatically correct sentence.
Which sentence is correct?
You cannot use 'mientras tanto' as a conjunction linking two clauses.
Complete the dialogue.
A: El tren llega en 20 minutos. B: ___________, podemos tomar un café.
It fits the context of waiting for an event.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesYo limpio la cocina; ___________, tú preparas la mesa.
It is the correct adverbial phrase to indicate simultaneous action.
Which sentence is correct?
You cannot use 'mientras tanto' as a conjunction linking two clauses.
A: El tren llega en 20 minutos. B: ___________, podemos tomar un café.
It fits the context of waiting for an event.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but it is less common than at the beginning.
It is neutral and fits any context.
No, it is invariable.
Related Phrases
Entretanto
synonymIn the meantime
Mientras
contrastWhile
A la vez
similarAt the same time
Simultáneamente
similarSimultaneously
