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"Al" is a form of "al", a contraction which is often translated as "to the". "Mientras" is a conjunction which is often translated as "while". Learn more about the difference between "mientras" and "al" below.
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.
al(
ahl
)A contraction is a shortened form of a word or group of words made by omitting a sound or letter (e.g., don't).
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Cuánto tardas en ir al trabajo?How long does it take you to go to work?
Este año no viajaremos al extranjero.We won't be going abroad this year.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Súbete al muro para ver mejor.Get up on the wall to get a better view.
Se subió al coche y se fue.He got in the car and left.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Me gusta hacer ejercicio al aire libre.I like exercising outdoors.
Nos sentamos al fondo de la sala.We sat at the back of the room.
A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. when
Al decirle que tenía que ponerse a trabajar, Josué se enfadó mucho con su hermana.When she told him he needed to get to work, Josue got really mad at his sister.
b. as
Al no poder encontrar trabajo, Mark decidió emigrar.As he couldn't find a job, Mark decided to emigrate.
c. by
Al nombrarme vocero del movimiento, Carlos me dejó ver que confía en mí.By appointing me spokesman of the movement, Carlos let me know he trusts me.
