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How to say “while doing” in Chinese with 一边 (yìbiān)

一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 1, 一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 2

Simultaneous tasks with "一边 (yìbiān)"

HSK 3Adverbs

Rule structure

一边 (yìbiān)… 一边 (yìbiān)… means "while…" or "at the same time as…" and describes two simultaneous actions.

Examples

她喜欢一边听音乐，一边工作。

Tā xǐhuan yībiān tīng yīnyuè, yībiān gōngzuò.

She likes to listen to music while working.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Simultaneous tasks with "一边 (yìbiān)"” in Chinese?

Use the structure: 一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 1, 一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 2. For example: 她喜欢一边听音乐，一边工作。 — “She likes to listen to music while working.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

她喜欢一边听音乐，一边工作。 — “She likes to listen to music while working.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.

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More HSK 3 grammar rules

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Subj. + 终于 (zhōngyú) + Verb + 了 (le)

Expressing "always" with "总是 (zǒngshì)"

总是 (zǒngshì) + Predicate

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Subj. + 几乎 (jīhū) + Verb/Adj.

Expressing "again" in the past with "又 (yòu)"

又 (yòu) + Verb + 了 (le)

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Subj. + Time + 才 (cái) + Verb

Expressing "only" with "只 (zhǐ)"

Subj. + 只 (zhǐ) + Verb + Obj.

Sequencing with "先 (xiān)" and "再 (zài)"

先 (xiān)……, 再 (zài)……

Using "always" as a complaint with "老是 (lǎoshì)"

Subj. + 老是 (lǎoshì) + Verb/Adj.