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"Mientras" is a conjunction which is often translated as "while", and "necesitar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to need". Learn more about the difference between "mientras" and "necesitar" below.
mientras(
myehn
-
trahs
)
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
conjunction
a. while
Lavó los platos mientras yo dormía la siesta.He did the dishes while I took a nap.
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.
a. whereas
Mientras que a mi hermana le encanta leer, a su esposo le encanta trabajar en el jardín.Whereas my sister loves to read, her husband loves to garden.
b. while
Yo soy vegetariana, mientras que a mi marido le encanta la carne.I'm vegetarian, while my husband loves meat.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
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.
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necesitar(
neh
-
seh
-
see
-
tahr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to need
Necesito canela para la tarta.I need some cinnamon for the cake.
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
auxiliary verb
a. to need
Necesitan salir ya si quieren alcanzar su vuelo.You need to leave now if you want to make your flight.
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