~(으)면서
While doing; at the same time as
TL;DR — Use when two actions happen simultaneously by the same person. The subject of both clauses must be the same.
Explanation
This grammar pattern connects two ongoing actions performed by the same subject. It translates to “while” or “at the same time as” in English.
How to attach it:
-
If the verb stem ends in a vowel, attach ~면서 directly.
- 듣다 → 들으면서
- 먹다 → 먹으면서
-
If the verb stem ends in a consonant, attach ~으면서.
- 읽다 → 읽으면서
Important: The subject of both clauses must be the same person. You cannot use ~(으)면서 when two different people perform the actions.
Common mistake: Don’t confuse with ~(으)면 (if/when), which is a conditional, not simultaneous.
Vocabulary
| 동시에 | simultaneously |
| 운전하다 | to drive |
| 이야기하다 | to talk; to chat |
Examples
음악을 들으면서 공부해요.
I study while listening to music.
밥을 먹으면서 이야기했어요.
We talked while eating.
운전하면서 전화하지 마세요.
Don't talk on the phone while driving.