一面……，一面……
while …, at the same time … (two actions or efforts carried on together)
Structure
主语 ＋ 一面 动作一 ， 一面 动作二
What it means
One subject carries on two actions or efforts at the same time: “while …, at the same time …”. A more formal, written 一边…一边….
How it is built
Subject + 一面 + action 1, 一面 + action 2: 他一面读大学，一面在饭店打工 (He worked in a restaurant while at university).
When to use it
Writing and news, where it sets two lines of effort side by side over time (两手抓): 一面谈判，一面备战. For everyday actions done together, 一边…一边… is more natural. Met in lesson 4-23.
Watch out
The subject comes once, before the first 一面, and both actions belong to it. 一边 can shrink to 边…边…, but 一面 cannot: ✗面走面说 ✓边走边说.
Examples
救援队一面搜救被困群众，一面搭建帐篷安置受灾群众。
The rescue teams searched for trapped people while putting up tents to house the homeless.
他一面读大学，一面在饭店打工，养活自己。
He worked in a restaurant while at university to support himself.
公司一面压缩开支，一面开拓海外市场。
The company is cutting costs and opening up overseas markets at the same time.
Learn this in Lesson 120 · HSK 7–9: 定日地震 (Disaster report: the Tingri earthquake)
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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