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"While" is a conjunction which is often translated as "mientras", and "awhile" is an adverb which is often translated as "un rato". Learn more about the difference between "while" and "awhile" below.
while(
wayl
)A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
1. (during)
a. mientras
I love listening to music while I clean the house.Me encanta escuchar música mientras limpio la casa.
2. (as long as)
a. mientras
You will keep your job while I am the boss.Mientras yo sea el jefe, mantendrás tu trabajo.
3. (although)
a. aunque
While he is a good match, her parents do not like him.Aunque sea un buen partido, a los padres de ella no les gusta.
4. (whereas)
a. mientras que
I love the mountains while my husband prefers the sea.Me encantan las montañas mientras que mi marido prefiere el mar.
awhile(
uh
-
wayl
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (general)
a. un rato
The store owner was out, so we had to wait awhile until he came back.El dueño de la tienda estaba fuera, así que tuvimos que esperar un rato hasta que volviera.
b. algún tiempo
As we arrived early at the hotel, we had to wait awhile to have our room ready.Como llegamos temprano al hotel tuvimos que esperar algún tiempo hasta tener lista la habitación.
