meanwhile
/ˈmiːnwaɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmiːnwaɪl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmēn-ˌ(h)wī(-ə)l/ (ame, mw)
meanwhile — 副詞
1. used to describe an action or situation that happens during the time between two
同時；其間
在兩件事之間或與另一事同時
used to describe an action or situation that happens during the time between two events, or that occurs in parallel with another event already being discussed
Amani finished her homework; meanwhile, her brother was playing video games in the living room.
Amani 完成了她的作業；與此同時，她的弟弟正在客廳玩電動遊戲。
semicolon structure showing simultaneous actions
The doctor will see you soon. Meanwhile, please fill out these forms at the front desk.
醫生很快就會來看診。在此期間，請在櫃檯填寫這些表格。
sentence-initial meanwhile for 'while waiting'
The team is still working on the new design. Meanwhile, the marketing department has already started preparing the campaign.
團隊仍在開發新的設計。與此同時，行銷部門已經開始準備宣傳活動。
Joon spent a year studying in France. Meanwhile, his sister was finishing medical school back in Seoul.
Joon 在法國求學一年。與此同時，他的妹妹正在首爾攻讀醫學院。
Construction on the new bridge continues. Meanwhile, drivers must use the old detour road through the valley.
新橋的施工仍在進行。與此同時，駕駛人必須使用經過山谷的舊繞道路線。
- meantime
interchangeable in many contexts, especially in 'in the meantime'
- at the same time
more literal and less formal; works in everyday speech
- simultaneously
more formal and precise; focuses on exact concurrent timing
文法句型
Meanwhile, [clause]
[Clause]; meanwhile, [clause]
用法筆記
Unlike 'while', which connects two actions within a single sentence, 'meanwhile' often starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon, creating a stronger separation between the two situations being compared.
常見錯誤
meanwhile — 名詞
1. the period of time that passes between one event and another, almost always used
其間
兩件事之間的那段時間
the period of time that passes between one event and another, almost always used in the fixed phrase 'in the meanwhile'
In the meanwhile, the children played games in the garden while their parents set up the party indoors.
其間，孩子們在花園裡玩耍，而爸媽則在室內布置派對。
fixed phrase: in the meanwhile
We need a temporary place to stay in the meanwhile, until our new apartment is ready for move-in.
在新公寓準備好入住之前，我們其間需要找個臨時住處。
in the meanwhile + until clause showing interim
The electricity will not be back until tomorrow morning. In the meanwhile, these candles should give us enough light.
電力要到明天早上才會恢復。其間，這些蠟燭應該能提供足夠的光線。
Ayesha agreed to manage the shop in the meanwhile, while the owner recovered from surgery.
Ayesha 同意在老闆手術休養期間，暫時代為管理店面。
The school building is being repaired, so classes are held in a nearby community centre in the meanwhile.
校舍正在整修，所以學生們其間在附近的社區中心上課。
文法句型
in the meanwhile
for the meanwhile
用法筆記
The noun sense of 'meanwhile' is rarely used on its own. It appears almost exclusively in the fixed phrase 'in the meanwhile', which functions like the adverb 'meanwhile' or 'meantime'. 'For the meanwhile' is also possible but less common.