tandis
while
Ce mot sert à montrer que deux actions se passent en même temps, mais souvent de façon différente ou opposée.
Definition & meaning
Tandis que means “while” when two actions happen at the same time:
- Il lit tandis qu’elle écrit — “He reads while she writes.”
It can also mean “whereas” or “while” to contrast two facts:
- Elle aime la ville, tandis que lui préfère la campagne — “She likes the city, whereas he prefers the countryside.”
In modern French, tandis is generally used as part of the conjunction tandis que .
Grammar & Word origin
Tandis que is a subordinating conjunction, usually followed by a verb in the indicative. It connects a subordinate clause to a main clause, expressing either simultaneity or contrast.
Historically, tandis developed from the older French elements tant and dis . These are not treated as separate parts in modern usage.
Synonyms & antonyms
- alors que — Often interchangeable with tandis que, especially for contrast. It can also indicate that two events happen at the same time.
- pendant que — Usually emphasizes that two actions happen at the same time; unlike tandis que, it is less naturally used to express a contrast.
There is no direct antonym.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Je lis un livre tandis que tu regardes la télévision.conjunction
I am reading a book while you are watching television.
Les enfants jouent dehors tandis que leurs parents préparent le dîner.conjunction
The children are playing outside while their parents prepare dinner.
Il pleuvait, tandis que les oiseaux chantaient encore dans les arbres.conjunction
It was raining, while the birds were still singing in the trees.
Nous marchions vers la gare tandis que le soleil se couchait doucement.conjunction
We were walking to the station while the sun was setting gently.
Je préparerai le café tandis que tu mettras la table.conjunction
I will make the coffee while you set the table.
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