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SIMULTANEOUS ACTIONS WITH -으면서
In Korean, the grammar structure -(으)면서 is used to indicate that two actions occur at the same time. It is equivalent to “while” in English.
This structure is useful for describing actions that happen simultaneously, whether they are performed by the same subject or within the same time frame.
INTRODUCTION OF -(으)면서
The structure -(으)면서 is attached to the verb stem and follows these rules:
- If the verb stem ends in a vowel → Attach -면서
- Example: 가다 (to go) → 가면서 (while going)
- If the verb stem ends in a consonant → Attach -으면서
- Example: 먹다 (to eat) → 먹으면서 (while eating)
PATTERN
Verb stem + -(으)면서
Exceptions
- The structure cannot be used with adjectives. Instead, -고 or -게 structures are preferred.
- Example: 행복하면서 (incorrect) → 행복하고 (correct) (while being happy)
HOW TO USE -(으)면서
Describing Two Simultaneous Actions by the Same Subject
When the same person performs two actions at the same time, -(으)면서 connects the two verbs.
음악을 들으면서 공부해요
I study while listening to musicView More Examples
| 책을 읽으면서 차를 마셨어요. | I drank tea while reading a book. |
| 운전하면서 전화를 하면 위험해요. | Talking on the phone while driving is dangerous. |
| 요리하면서 노래를 불렀어요. | I sang while cooking. |
Expressing Two Actions That Occur at the Same Time in General Situations
This structure can also be used to describe general habits or common occurrences where two actions naturally happen together.
사람들은 걸으면서 이야기해요
People talk while walking그는 노래를 부르면서 피아노를 쳐요
He plays the piano while singingIndicating a Critical or Contradictory Relationship
Sometimes -(으)면서 can be used to point out contradictions or irony in an action.
담배가 건강에 나쁘다고 말하면서 담배를 피워요
He says smoking is bad for health while smokingView More Examples:
| 공부해야 한다고 하면서 게임을 하고 있어요. | He says he has to study while playing a game. |
| 환경을 보호해야 한다고 하면서 일회용품을 많이 써요. | He says we need to protect the environment while using a lot of disposable products. |
EXAMPLE DIALOGUE
In the following conversation, a parent corrects a child’s bad table manners using -(으)면서 along with -지 말다 (negative imperative).
View Example Dialogue:
밥을 먹으면서 입을 벌리지 마라
Don’t open your mouth while eating아, 알겠어요. 앞으로 조심할테니까 잔소리하지 마세요!
Ah, I got it. I’ll be careful from now on, so please don’t nag!그리고 밥을 먹으면서 휴대폰을 보면 안돼. 자꾸 그러면 엄마 화낼 거야
And don’t look at your phone while eating. If you keep doing that, I’m going to get mad.엄마도 밥 먹으면서 드라마를 보잖아요!
But you watch dramas while eating!나는 어른이잖아!
I’m an adult!
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FAQs
What does -(으)면서 mean in Korean?
It’s a grammar pattern used to express that two actions are happening at the same time, similar to “while doing…” in English.
Can -(으)면서 be used with all verbs?
It is mainly used with action verbs.
It’s not typically used with descriptive verbs (adjectives) or states.
Which action comes first in the sentence?
The action in the -(으)면서 clause happens simultaneously with the main verb.
The more important or emphasized action usually comes last.
Can I use -(으)면서 in the past or future tense?
Yes! The tense is applied to the second verb, not to -(으)면서 itself.
For example:
요리하면서 음악을 들었어요. (“I listened to music while cooking.”)
Is -(으)면서 formal or informal?
The structure is neutral, so it can be used in both formal and informal speech depending on the final verb conjugation.
Can I study Korean at LTL Language School?
Yes!
You can study with us in Seoul, in our Hongdae location, or online if you prefer learn from home.
Contact us here if you have any questions.