一边……一边……
doing two things at the same time
Structure
主语 + 一边 + 动词1（，）一边 + 动词2
What it means
一边 before each of two actions says they happen at the same time: 一边吃饭一边工作 (working while you eat).
How it is built
Subject + 一边 + verb 1 (，) 一边 + verb 2: 他一边吃饭，一边看手机 (he looks at his phone while he eats). The subject comes once, at the front; the comma is optional.
When to use it
Use it for things you actively do, such as 吃, 看, 走, 说, 听 and 工作: 我们一边走，一边说话.
Watch out
Not for states like 累 or 高兴: ✗ 我一边累一边工作。 ✓ 我很累，还在工作。
Examples
他一边吃饭，一边看手机。
He looks at his phone while he eats.
我们一边走，一边说话。
We talked as we walked.
奶奶常常一边看电视一边吃饭。
Grandma often eats in front of the TV.
Learn this in HSK 1 · Lesson 20: 你怎么了 (Seeing a doctor)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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