At the Same Time: Doing Two Things (-는 동시에)
-는 동시에 to emphasize that two actions, states, or identities overlap perfectly in time.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use -는 동시에 to describe two actions happening at the exact same time or two states existing simultaneously.
- Attach -는 동시에 directly to the verb stem: 먹다 -> 먹는 동시에.
- It emphasizes that two actions overlap in time.
- It can also be used with nouns by adding '인' (e.g., 학생인 동시에 가수).
Overview
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 is a sophisticated Korean connective ending that expresses the perfect simultaneity of two actions, states, or characteristics. It means "at the same time as," "simultaneously," or "while also being." This grammatical pattern is derived from the Sino-Korean noun 동시 (同時, dong-si), meaning "same time" or "simultaneity." The Hanja 同 means "same" or "together," and 時 means "time." This etymology underscores the precise and synchronous nature conveyed by the expression.
While this pattern exists at the A1 beginner CEFR level, its nuanced application allows learners to articulate complex ideas with precision. It is notably more formal and emphasizes a stronger connection between the two clauses than its more casual counterpart, -(으)면서. You will encounter -(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 in both written and spoken Korean, particularly when the speaker or writer intends to highlight a significant, often inherent, dual nature or concurrence.
Mastering -(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 allows you to move beyond simple conjunctions and express intricate relationships between elements in a sentence. It enables you to describe an individual holding multiple roles, an event having contradictory aspects, or two actions unfolding in the exact same temporal space. This precision is a hallmark of advanced communication, even if the basic concept is introduced early in your learning journey.
How This Grammar Works
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 functions by connecting two clauses, asserting that the event or state described in the first clause occurs concurrently with, or as an inherent aspect of, the event or state in the second clause. The structure can be broken down into its constituent parts:- The preceding verb or adjective stem is attached to an adnominal ending:
-는for present tense action verbs, and-(으)ㄴfor descriptive verbs (adjectives) or completed actions (though less common for verbs here, usually-는). 동시(dong-si), the noun meaning "same time."에(e), a locative particle, which here functions to indicate "at" or "in" that particular time or state.
-는 동시에 or -(으)ㄴ 동시에 phrase acts as an adverbial modifier for the main clause that follows. It modifies the main clause by specifying the temporal and/or characteristic context under which the main clause's event unfolds. This creates a highly integrated sentence structure where the two clauses are not merely juxtaposed but are semantically intertwined.-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에:- 1Strict Simultaneity of Actions: This is the most literal interpretation, where two distinct actions are performed by the same subject, or two events occur, at the exact same moment. There is no discernible gap or sequence; the actions completely overlap. For instance,
그는 노래를 부르는 동시에 춤을 추었다.(He sang and danced simultaneously/at the same time.) Here, the singing and dancing are perfectly concurrent.
- 1Dual Characteristics or Roles:
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에is frequently used to describe a single entity (person, object, situation) possessing two attributes, qualities, or roles concurrently. These attributes can sometimes be contrasting or complementary, providing a deeper insight into the entity's nature. For example,그 책은 교육적인 동시에 재미있다.(That book is educational and interesting at the same time.) This highlights the book's dual nature. Similarly,그녀는 의사인 동시에 음악가이다.(She is a doctor and a musician at the same time.) This expresses her dual professional identity.
- 1Simultaneous Consequence or Immediate Effect: In some contexts, the pattern can indicate that one event immediately and simultaneously leads to or reveals another. While not a direct cause-and-effect relationship in the sense of one thing causing another, it implies that the occurrence of the first event instantaneously brings about the second. For instance,
문이 열리는 동시에 종이 울렸다.(As the door opened, the bell rang simultaneously.) This suggests an instantaneous and concurrent reaction.
-(으)면서 which can imply merely parallel activities, -(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 conveys a more unified or impactful co-occurrence. It signals to the listener that these two elements are inextricably linked within that temporal or descriptive framework.Formation Pattern
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 requires careful attention to the type of predicate (verb, adjective, or noun) preceding the pattern. The key is to attach the correct adnominal ending (-는 or -(으)ㄴ) to the stem, which then modifies 동시.
dongsa)
-는 동시에. This indicates an action happening at the present time, or an action that is ongoing or habitual, simultaneously with another. The tense of the entire sentence is determined by the final predicate of the main clause.
-는 동시에 | 먹다 (to eat) | 먹는 동시에 | meongneun dongsie | while eating / at the same time as eating |
-는 동시에 | 하다 (to do) | 하는 동시에 | haneun dongsie | while doing / at the same time as doing |
-는 동시에 | 읽다 (to read) | 읽는 동시에 | ingneun dongsie | while reading / at the same time as reading |
그는 밥을 먹는 동시에 신문을 읽었어요. (He ate and read the newspaper at the same time.)
음악을 듣는 동시에 공부하면 집중이 잘 안 돼요. (If I study while listening to music, I can't concentrate well.)
hyeongyongsa)
-(으)ㄴ 동시에. This formation describes a state or quality that exists concurrently with something else. This -(으)ㄴ is the adnominal form for adjectives, implying a present state.
-은 동시에 | 좋다 (to be good) | 좋은 동시에 | joeun dongsie | while being good / at the same time as being good |
-ㄴ 동시에 | 예쁘다 (to be pretty) | 예쁜 동시에 | yeppeun dongsie | while being pretty / at the same time as being pretty |
-ㄴ 동시에 | 크다 (to be big) | 큰 동시에 | keun dongsie | while being big / at the same time as being big |
그 가방은 예쁜 동시에 실용적이에요. (That bag is pretty and practical at the same time.)
그 소식은 놀라운 동시에 슬펐어요. (That news was surprising and sad at the same time.)
myeongsa)
동시, you use -인 동시에. This is the adnominal form of the copula 이다 (to be) and is used to express dual identities, roles, or classifications.
-인 동시에 | 학생 (student) | 학생인 동시에 | haksaeng-in dongsie | while being a student / at the same time as being a student |
-인 동시에 | 선생님 (teacher) | 선생님인 동시에 | seonsaengnim-in dongsie | while being a teacher / at the same time as being a teacher |
그분은 교수님인 동시에 연구원입니다. (That person is a professor and a researcher at the same time.)
이 건물은 주거 공간인 동시에 상업 공간으로 사용돼요. (This building is used as a residential space and a commercial space at the same time.)
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 attaches to irregular verbs or adjectives, the irregular conjugations apply. The most common one you'll encounter at this level is the ㄹ irregular.
ㄹ Irregular Verbs/Adjectives: When a verb or adjective stem ends with ㄹ, the ㄹ is dropped before -는 or -ㄴ (which is part of -(으)ㄴ).
만들다 (to make) + -는 동시에 → 만드는 동시에 (The ㄹ drops before -는)
팔다 (to sell) + -는 동시에 → 파는 동시에
길다 (to be long) + -ㄴ 동시에 → 긴 동시에 (The ㄹ drops before -ㄴ)
그는 요리사인 동시에 빵을 만드는 동시에 커피도 만들어요. (He is a chef and at the same time makes bread and also coffee.) - Note: The second part of the example 빵을 만드는 동시에 커피도 만들어요 demonstrates the ㄹ irregular well, but the first part 요리사인 동시에 is a noun example. Let's simplify to focus on the irregular verb. 그는 음악을 듣는 동시에 요리를 만드는 동시에 춤을 췄다. (He listened to music and cooked and danced at the same time.) Still too complex. Let's make it simpler: 그는 노래를 부르는 동시에 기타를 치는 동시에 춤을 췄다. (He sang and played guitar and danced at the same time.) Let's stick to the prompt's simplicity: 그는 책을 만드는 동시에 음악도 들어요. (He makes books and listens to music at the same time.)
그 가수는 목소리가 좋은 동시에 키도 크고 얼굴도 잘생긴 동시에 아주 매력적이다. (That singer has a good voice, is tall, handsome, and very attractive at the same time.) This is a bit too much. 그 배우는 키가 큰 동시에 연기도 잘해요. (That actor is tall and acts well at the same time.)
-는 동시에 | 가다 (go) | 가는 동시에 | ganeun dongsie |
ㄹ) | Drop ㄹ + attach -는 동시에 | 만들다 (make) | 만드는 동시에 | mandeuneun dongsie |
-은 동시에 | 좋다 (good) | 좋은 동시에 | joeun dongsie |
-ㄴ 동시에 | 예쁘다 (pretty) | 예쁜 동시에 | yeppeun dongsie |
ㄹ) | Drop ㄹ + attach -ㄴ 동시에 | 길다 (long) | 긴 동시에 | gin dongsie |
-인 동시에 | 의사 (doctor) | 의사인 동시에 | uisain dongsie |
When To Use It
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 when you need to convey a strong sense of concurrence, duality, or an immediate, synchronous relationship between two aspects. Its precision makes it suitable for situations where the timing or the co-existence of characteristics is crucial.- 1For Perfectly Synchronized Actions: When two actions occur in the exact same temporal frame, without any sequence. This is stronger than merely saying "and" (
-고) or "while" (-(으)면서) because it emphasizes the perfect overlap.
벨이 울리는 동시에 학생들이 교실로 뛰어들어갔어요.(As soon as the bell rang, students ran into the classroom.) – Here, the ringing of the bell and the students running are perfectly synchronized, almost like an immediate reaction.저는 밥을 먹는 동시에 TV를 보는 것을 좋아하지 않아요.(I don't like eating and watching TV at the same time.) – Expresses a strong preference against performing these two actions concurrently.
- 1For Expressing Dual Characteristics or States: This pattern is highly effective for describing a single subject that possesses two (sometimes contrasting) qualities, roles, or states concurrently. This is a common and particularly valuable application of
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에.
그 영화는 감동적인 동시에 재미있었어요.(That movie was moving and interesting at the same time.) – Highlights the film's ability to evoke two distinct emotional responses concurrently.그는 엄격한 동시에 따뜻한 아버지입니다.(He is a strict and warm father at the same time.) – Describes a dual nature within a single individual's personality.
- 1For Presenting Concurrent Roles or Identities: When an individual or entity holds two distinct positions, professions, or classifications simultaneously.
저는 학생인 동시에 직장인이에요.(I am a student and a worker at the same time.) – Common in modern life to describe juggling multiple responsibilities.우리 동아리는 친목 모임인 동시에 학습 공동체예요.(Our club is a social gathering and a learning community at the same time.) – Describes the dual function of an organization.
- 1In Formal or Written Contexts: Due to its precise and somewhat formal tone,
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에is frequently used in news reports, academic papers, speeches, business communications, and more structured conversations. It lends an air of authority and exactitude.
새로운 정책은 경제 발전을 도모하는 동시에 환경 보호에도 기여할 것입니다.(The new policy will promote economic development and contribute to environmental protection at the same time.) – A typical phrasing for official statements.
- 1When Emphasizing the Critical Nature of Concurrence: Use it when the fact that two things are happening at the very same instant is the most important piece of information you want to convey, rather than just that they both occurred.
그들은 결혼하는 동시에 사업을 시작했어요.(They got married and started a business at the same time.) – Emphasizes the significant life changes happening concurrently.
Common Mistakes
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에. Being aware of these common errors will significantly improve your accuracy and naturalness.- 1Incorrect Tense Marking in the First Clause: A very frequent mistake is to try and mark the tense directly on the verb or adjective preceding
동시. Remember,-(으)ㄴ/는is an adnominal ending that forms a descriptive phrase, not a full conjugated verb. The main tense of the entire sentence is expressed by the final predicate.
- Incorrect:
저는 밥을 먹었는 동시에 신문을 읽었어요.(The았/었tense marker is incorrectly applied before는 동시에.) - Correct:
저는 밥을 먹는 동시에 신문을 읽었어요.(I ate and read the newspaper at the same time.) – The는is for present/ongoing action. The past tense of the reading is indicated by the final읽었어요.
- 1Using
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에for Sequential Actions: This pattern strictly implies simultaneity or perfect overlap. If one action follows another, even immediately,-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에is inappropriate. For sequential actions, use patterns like-고(and then),-아/어서(and so/therefore), or-자마자(as soon as).
- Incorrect:
저는 숙제를 끝내는 동시에 잠을 잤어요.(I finished my homework and slept at the same time.) – It implies you slept while finishing, which is unlikely. If you finished homework then slept, this is wrong. - Correct (Sequential):
저는 숙제를 끝내고 잠을 잤어요.(I finished my homework and then slept.) - Correct (Simultaneous):
저는 음악을 듣는 동시에 숙제를 했어요.(I listened to music and did homework at the same time.)
- 1Applying Verb Adnominal
-는to Adjectives: Adjectives (descriptive verbs) use-(으)ㄴ, not-는, to form adnominal phrases. Confusing these leads to ungrammatical constructions.
- Incorrect:
그녀는 예쁘는 동시에 똑똑해요.(Using-는with예쁘다(pretty) is wrong.) - Correct:
그녀는 예쁜 동시에 똑똑해요.(She is pretty and smart at the same time.)
- 1Overuse in Casual Settings: While
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에is used in spoken Korean, it carries a more formal or precise nuance. For very casual, everyday parallel actions,-(으)면서is often more natural and less weighty. Using-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에for trivial concurrent actions can sound overly stiff or even sarcastic.
- Less natural in casual speech:
나는 TV를 보는 동시에 밥을 먹었어.(I ate and watched TV at the same time.) - More natural in casual speech:
나는 TV 보면서 밥 먹었어.(I ate while watching TV.)
- 1Using for Logically Impossible Simultaneity: While the phrase conveys simultaneity, it must still conform to logical possibility. You cannot, for example, be asleep and actively running at the same moment (unless in a highly metaphorical or dream context, which would be very advanced usage).
- Illogical:
그는 자는 동시에 뛰었어요.(He slept and ran at the same time.) - Logical:
그는 웃는 동시에 울었어요.(He laughed and cried at the same time.) – This is possible and expresses a complex emotional state.
Real Conversations
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 appears across various registers of Korean communication, from formal news broadcasts to more thoughtful personal reflections. Its usage reflects a speaker's intent to convey precision about co-occurrence or dual characteristics.
1. News and Formal Reports (합니다체 / ha-mni-da-che)
In formal settings, this pattern provides a concise way to describe complex situations or policies.
- 새로운 기술은 효율성을 높이는 동시에 비용을 절감합니다.
- Romanization: Saeroun gisureun hyoyulsseongeul nopineun dongsie biyoungeul jeolgamhamnida.
- Translation: "The new technology increases efficiency and reduces costs at the same time."
- 이번 조치는 경제 회복을 돕는 동시에 사회적 불평등을 해소하는 데 초점을 맞추고 있습니다.
- Romanization: Ibeon jochineun gyeongje hoebogeul domneun dongsie sahoejeok bulpyeongdeungeul haesohaneun de chojeomeul majchugo isseumnida.
- Translation: "This measure is focused on helping economic recovery and resolving social inequality at the same time."
2. Professional and Academic Discussions (합니다체 / ha-mni-da-che)
When discussing projects, research, or complex ideas, -(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 helps articulate multiple facets.
- 이 연구는 이론적인 동시에 실용적인 가치를 지닙니다.
- Romanization: I yeonguneun ironjeogin dongsie siryongjeogin gachireul jinimnida.
- Translation: "This research holds theoretical and practical value at the same time."
- 저희 팀은 창의적인 동시에 체계적인 문제 해결 방식을 추구합니다.
- Romanization: Jeohui tiumeun changui-jeogin dongsie chegyejjeogin munje haegyeol bangsigeul chuguhapnida.
- Translation: "Our team pursues creative and systematic problem-solving methods at the same time."
3. Personal Reflections and Descriptions (해체 / hae-che)
Even in less formal contexts, when describing personal experiences, people, or events, this pattern can be used to add nuance, especially when the co-occurrence is significant.
- 그 카페는 조용한 동시에 활기찬 분위기예요.
- Romanization: Geu kape neun joyonghan dongsie hwalgichan bunwigi-yeyo.
- Translation: "That cafe has a quiet and lively atmosphere at the same time."
- 저는 힘들었던 동시에 많은 것을 배웠던 시간이었어요.
- Romanization: Jeoneun himdeureotdeon dongsie maneun geoseul baewotdeon sigan-ieosseoyo.
- Translation: "It was a time when I struggled and learned a lot at the same time."
- 제 친구는 농담을 잘하는 동시에 진지한 면도 있어요.
- Romanization: Je chinguneun nongdameul jarhaneun dongsie jinji-han myeondo isseoyo.
- Translation: "My friend is good at telling jokes and also has a serious side at the same time."
4. Social Media and Online Communication (해체 / hae-che or less formal 합니다체)
In written online communication, -(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 is used for slightly more thoughtful posts, often describing complex feelings or situations.
- 드라마 보면서 울고 웃는 동시에 심장이 쫄깃쫄깃했어요.
- Romanization: Deurama bomyeonseo ulgo utneun dongsie simjangi jjolgijjolgit-haesseoyo.
- Translation: "While watching the drama, I cried and laughed, and my heart was pounding at the same time." (Note: -면서 is used first for a more general parallel action, then 동시에 for the specific, intense, simultaneous feeling).
- 오늘 출근하는 동시에 퇴근하고 싶은 마음이…
- Romanization: Oneul chulgeunhaneun dongsie toegeunhago sipeun maeumi…
- Translation: "Today, as soon as I started work, I felt like leaving…" (Expresses an immediate, synchronous feeling upon commencing work.)
These examples illustrate that while -(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 carries a formal undertone, its utility for expressing exact simultaneity or inherent duality makes it valuable across various communicative contexts when precision is desired.
Quick FAQ
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에, reinforcing the detailed explanations provided above.-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 only for formal writing, or can I use it in speech?While it tends to be more precise and formal than -(으)면서, it is absolutely used in spoken Korean. You'll hear it in news reports, lectures, and even in everyday conversations when a speaker wants to emphasize the exact concurrence or dual nature of something. Its use makes your speech sound more refined and accurate.
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 differ from -(으)면서?This is a critical distinction. Both can translate to "while" or "at the same time," but their nuances differ:
-(으)면서: Implies two actions or states occurring in parallel. The simultaneity can be loose or general, and the actions are often less intensely linked. It's more casual and commonly used for everyday activities (e.g.,밥 먹으면서 TV 봐요- "I watch TV while eating"). It can also imply a slight overlap or even just a general time frame.-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에: Emphasizes perfect, exact simultaneity or an inherent, strong dual characteristic. The connection between the two clauses is tighter and more impactful. It's more formal and precise, often used when the co-occurrence itself is a significant point. Think of-(으)면서as "parallel" and-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에as "identical in time/aspect."
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 for more than two actions or characteristics?Grammatically, it's designed to link two main clauses or characteristics. While you can sometimes list multiple adjectives with -(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 (예쁜 동시에 똑똑한 동시에 친절하다), doing so can make the sentence clunky and less natural. For more than two items, it's often better to use -(으)면서 multiple times, or to rephrase the sentence for clarity, perhaps using -고 for enumeration.
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에?The tense for the entire sentence is marked on the final predicate of the main clause. The -(으)ㄴ/는 part attached to the initial verb/adjective stem does not carry independent tense information for the action itself; it simply creates an adnominal form modifying 동시. For action verbs, -는 is always used (present/ongoing). For adjectives, -(으)ㄴ is always used (present state). So, 먹는 동시에 운동했어요 (I exercised at the same time as eating – past tense on 운동했어요).
이다 (to be)?Yes, absolutely! This is one of its very common and powerful applications. You use the form Noun + -인 동시에 to express dual roles or identities. For instance, 그분은 선생님인 동시에 멘토이세요. (That person is a teacher and a mentor at the same time.)
Yes, you can, although it might be slightly less common than in affirmative sentences, especially for inherent dual characteristics. You would simply make the main clause (the second part of the sentence) negative. For example, 그는 공부하는 동시에 놀지 않아요. (He doesn't play at the same time as studying.) Or, for characteristics: 그는 친절한 동시에 차갑지 않아요. (He is kind and not cold at the same time.) The meaning still adheres to simultaneity or dual aspect.
동시?The Hanja for 동시 is 同時. 同 means "same" or "together," and 時 means "time." This direct translation helps reinforce the core meaning of the grammar pattern.
있다 and 없다 with this pattern?Yes, 있다 (to exist/to have) and 없다 (to not exist/to not have) are treated as descriptive verbs (adjectives) when forming -(으)ㄴ/는 동시에. Thus, you use the form 있는 동시에 or 없는 동시에.
이 책은 유익한 동시에 읽는 재미도 있어요.(This book is beneficial and also fun to read at the same time.)그는 능력이 있는 동시에 겸손해요.(He is capable and humble at the same time.)그 아이디어는 독창성이 없는 동시에 실현 가능성도 낮아요.(That idea lacks originality and has low feasibility at the same time.)
-(으)ㄴ/는 동시에 always about actual time, or can it be more metaphorical?While it primarily denotes actual simultaneity, especially with action verbs, it can extend to describing metaphorical
Formation Table
| Type | Example Verb | Formation | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Verb
|
먹다
|
먹 + 는 동시에
|
먹는 동시에
|
|
Verb
|
가다
|
가 + 는 동시에
|
가는 동시에
|
|
Adjective
|
예쁘다
|
예쁜 + 동시에
|
예쁜 동시에
|
|
Noun
|
학생
|
학생 + 인 동시에
|
학생인 동시에
|
Meanings
This grammar expresses that two actions or states occur simultaneously. It is often used in formal writing or professional contexts.
Simultaneous Action
Two actions happening at once.
“공부하는 동시에 음악을 들어요.”
“요리하는 동시에 전화를 받아요.”
Dual Identity/State
Being two things at once.
“그는 선생님인 동시에 작가입니다.”
“이 제품은 저렴한 동시에 품질이 좋아요.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Verb + 는 동시에
|
읽는 동시에 씁니다
|
|
Negative
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Verb + 지 않는 동시에
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먹지 않는 동시에 마십니다
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Adjective
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Adj + (으)ㄴ 동시에
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바쁜 동시에 힘듭니다
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Noun
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Noun + 인 동시에
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의사인 동시에 작가입니다
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Formality Spectrum
공부하는 동시에 일합니다. (Daily routine)
공부하는 동시에 일해요. (Daily routine)
공부하는 동시에 일해. (Daily routine)
공부하면서 일해. (Daily routine)
Simultaneous Action Map
Usage
- 동작 Action
- 상태 State
Examples by Level
밥을 먹는 동시에 물을 마셔요.
I eat and drink water at the same time.
공부하는 동시에 음악을 들어요.
I study while listening to music.
그는 학생인 동시에 가수예요.
He is a student and a singer at the same time.
이 정책은 경제를 살리는 동시에 환경을 보호합니다.
This policy saves the economy and protects the environment simultaneously.
그녀는 뛰어난 학자인 동시에 예술가로 알려져 있습니다.
She is known as an excellent scholar and an artist.
그는 비판을 수용하는 동시에 자신의 주장을 굽히지 않았습니다.
He accepted the criticism while simultaneously not bending his own argument.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'while'.
Common Mistakes
먹었다는 동시에
먹는 동시에
공부하고 동시에
공부하는 동시에
가는 동시에 밥을 먹었다
가는 동시에 밥을 먹는다
비가 오는 동시에 바람이 분다
비가 오는 동시에 바람도 분다
Sentence Patterns
___는 동시에 ___합니다.
Real World Usage
그는 사임하는 동시에 은퇴를 발표했다.
이 현상은 원인인 동시에 결과이다.
운동하는 동시에 힐링 중!
저는 개발자인 동시에 디자이너입니다.
관광하는 동시에 맛집을 찾아요.
주문하는 동시에 조리가 시작됩니다.
Consistency
Tense
Nouns
Formality
Smart Tips
Use 'Noun + 인 동시에'.
Use -는 동시에 instead of -면서.
Ensure the actions are truly simultaneous.
Remember to use the adjective modifier form.
Pronunciation
Liaison
The 'ㄴ' in '는' flows into the 'ㄷ' of '동'.
Flat
Action A + 는 동시에 + Action B
Neutral statement
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Dong-si' as 'Dong' (together) and 'Si' (time). Together-time!
Visual Association
Imagine a person juggling two balls at the exact same height. One ball is 'Action A', the other is 'Action B'. They are in the air at the same time.
Rhyme
Doing two things, side by side, -는 동시에 is the guide.
Story
Min-su is a busy man. He is a teacher. He is also a writer. He writes his book while teaching his students. He is a teacher-in-simultaneity-writer.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about yourself using '...인 동시에 ...입니다'.
Cultural Notes
Used to describe multi-tasking employees.
Derived from the noun '동시' (simultaneity).
Conversation Starters
당신은 학생인 동시에 무엇을 하나요?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
그는 선생님___ 동시에 작가입니다.
먹다 -> ?
Find and fix the mistake:
먹었던 동시에 공부했다.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
I study while listening to music.
Answer starts with: 공부하...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
자다 -> ?
Use '운동' and '음악'.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises그는 선생님___ 동시에 작가입니다.
먹다 -> ?
Find and fix the mistake:
먹었던 동시에 공부했다.
동시에 / 그는 / 노래를 / 부르는 / 춤을 / 춥니다.
I study while listening to music.
Match the form.
자다 -> ?
Use '운동' and '음악'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesTranslate: I am a student and a worker (at the same time).
제 삶은 ___ 행복해요.
동시에 / 커피를 / 마시는 / 책을 / 읽어요 / .
How would you describe a multi-talented person?
Match the pairs:
요리를 ___ 전화를 해요.
Find the correct version:
Which sentence emphasizes total simultaneity?
Translate the sentence.
이 식당은 맛있는 ___ 싸요.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, but -면서 is more common.
Yes, it is very regular.
It is better to keep the same subject.
Yes, it is often used in professional contexts.
Only in the second clause.
-고 is sequential, -는 동시에 is simultaneous.
Yes, use -ㄴ/은 동시에.
Very frequently in formal writing.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
al mismo tiempo
Korean uses a suffix, Spanish uses a phrase.
en même temps
French uses a prepositional phrase.
gleichzeitig
German is an adverb, Korean is a connective.
同時に
Japanese uses the kanji directly.
في نفس الوقت
Arabic is a phrase.
同时
Chinese is a conjunction.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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