Unit 5: While Doing (-(으)면서)

To describe two actions happening simultaneously by the same person, you use -(으)면서 in Easy Korean.

Structure

Verb Stem + -(으)면서

1. Verb stem ending in a vowel: Add -면서
2. 보다 (to watch) -> 보면서 (while watching)
3. Verb stem ending in a consonant: Add -으면서
4. 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹으면서 (while eating)
5. Verb stem ending in ㄹ: Add -면서
6. 놀다 (to play) -> 놀면서 (while playing)

Important Rule

The subject of the first action and the second action MUST be the same person. - (O) 저는 밥을 먹으면서 TV를 봐요. (I watch TV while eating.) - (X) 동생이 밥을 먹으면서 저는 TV를 봐요. (Incorrect grammar for "While my brother eats, I watch TV.") -> You must use -는 동안 for different subjects.

Examples

• 노래를 들으면서 공부해요. (I study while listening to music.)
• 커피를 마시면서 이야기할까요? (Shall we talk while drinking coffee?)