在…的同时
while …, at the same time …; as well as … (also)
Structure
在 动作或情况 的同时 ， （主语） 也／还 …
What it means
“While …, at the same time …”: joins two things that happen or must be done together, often a gain and a duty, or a good side and a bad one.
How it is built
在 + verb phrase/clause + 的同时，(subject) + 也／还 + …: 在发展经济的同时，也要保护好环境 (while developing the economy, we must also protect the environment).
When to use it
Writing and formal speech. For two physical actions at once in everyday talk, use 一边…一边….
Watch out
Don’t forget 也 or 还 in the second half: 他在上大学的同时，还在打工. No time words in the slot: ✗ 在三点的同时 ✓ 在三点的时候.
Examples
在享受这些便利的同时，越来越多的游客也开始追求深度游。
While enjoying all this convenience, more and more visitors are also starting to look for in-depth travel.
在发展经济的同时，也要保护好环境。
While developing the economy, we must also protect the environment.
他在上大学的同时，还在一家餐厅打工。
While he was at university, he also worked part-time in a restaurant.
Learn this in Lesson 26 · HSK 5: 外国游客来了 (China Travel: the visitors return)
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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