一边
Traditional: 一邊
yī biān HSK 3

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

我一边吃饭。
Wǒ yībiān chīfàn.
I eat while doing something else.
他一边听音乐。
Tā yībiān tīng yīnyuè.
He listens to music simultaneously.
妈妈一边打电话。
Māma yībiān dǎ diànhuà.
Mom is on the phone while doing something.
他一边吃苹果。
Tā yībiān chī píngguǒ.
He eats an apple while doing something.
她一边听音乐。
Tā yībiān tīng yīnyuè.
She listens to music at the same time.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of '一边' as 'one side'—imagine balancing two actions on either side, like holding a phone in one hand (listening) and a book in the other (reading), to remember it indicates doing two things at once.

📝 Usage Notes

Common in both spoken and written Chinese, in informal and semi-formal contexts. It is often used to describe daily activities, habits, or routines where two actions overlap, such as eating while watching TV or working while listening to music.

📖 Grammar Points

Used in the pattern 'Subject + 一边 + Verb 1 + 一边 + Verb 2.' Both verbs should be action-oriented, and the subject is usually the same for both actions. Example: 他一边唱歌一边跳舞。

🏯 Cultural Notes

Reflects a common aspect of Chinese daily life where multitasking is often described casually, such as in social settings or work habits. No strong cultural taboos, but it highlights efficiency or relaxed scenarios.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to '同时' (tóngshí), which also means 'at the same time,' 一边 emphasizes two specific actions performed by the same subject concurrently, while 同时 can be broader and used for events or different subjects.

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