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"Durante" is a preposition which is often translated as "during", and "mientras" is a conjunction which is often translated as "while". Learn more about the difference between "durante" and "mientras" below.
durante(
doo
-
rahn
-
teh
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
b. in
Se recomienda llevar gafas de sol durante el verano.We recommend wearing sunglasses in the summer.
c. for (before a specific period of time)
Mi compañía me ha dado una prima anual durante 10 años.My company has given me an annual bonus for 10 years.
mientras(
myehn
-
trahs
)A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
a. as long as (followed by verb in subjunctive)
Mientras trabaje aquí, nunca podré tomarme unas vacaciones en condiciones.As long as I work here, I'll never manage to take a proper vacation.
3. (if)
a. as long as (followed by verb in subjunctive)
Mientras termines los deberes a tiempo, me da igual que escuches música o no.As long as you finish your homework on time, I don't mind if you listen to music.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. meanwhile
Tu hermana va a recoger su cuarto. Mientras, tú puedes quitar el polvo del salón.Your sister is going to clean up her room. Meanwhile, you can dust the living room.
b. in the meantime
Saca al perro; mientras, puedo trapear el piso de la cocina.Take the dog out. I can mop the kitchen floor in the meantime.
