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"Siempre que" is a conjunction which is often translated as "whenever", and "mientras" is a conjunction which is often translated as "while". Learn more about the difference between "siempre que" and "mientras" below.
siempre que(
syehm
-
preh
keh
)A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
a. whenever
Siempre que viene gente a comer en casa, me gusta hacer torta para postre.Whenever we have guests over for dinner, I like to make cake for dessert.
a. as long as
Hijo, puedes salir con tus amigos siempre que me avises adónde van.Son, you can always go out with your friends as long as you tell me where you are going.
b. so long as
Pueden ir a la fiesta siempre que estén en casa antes de las 11 pm.You can go to the party so long as you're home by 11 pm.
c. provided that
Pueden grabar el concierto siempre que no lo vendan a cambio de dinero.You can record the show provided that you don't sell it for money.
d. providing that
Puedes pasear con tu perro por el parque siempre que le pongas un bozal.You can walk your dog in the park providing that you put a muzzle on him.
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.
