HSK 3

一边 + V1 + 一边 + V2

yībiān + V1 + yībiān + V2

V1 while V2

Structure

Subject + 一边 + Verb 1 + 一边 + Verb 2

How it works

This structure is used to describe two actions being performed simultaneously by the same person. The actions are typically of equal importance, and the structure emphasizes the parallel nature of the activities.

Examples

我不喜欢一边吃饭一边看手机。

Wǒ bù xǐhuān yībiān chīfàn yībiān kàn shǒujī.

I don't like eating while looking at my phone.

爸爸一边喝咖啡一边看报纸。

Bàba yībiān hē kāfēi yībiān kàn bàozhǐ.

Dad drinks coffee while reading the newspaper.

我们一边走路一边聊天吧。

Wǒmen yībiān zǒulù yībiān liáotiān ba.

Let's chat while we walk.

Common mistakes

Mixing two different subjects; this structure can only be used when one person (or group) is doing both actions.

Tip

In casual speech, '一边' is often shortened to just '边' (e.g., 边走边说) to make the sentence sound more natural and fast-paced.

More HSK 3 grammar

V 好一 + M + N + 也／都 + 不 + V 那 V1了就 V2 V 来／去 V somewhere 来／去 V O 来／去 V 来／去 O

See 一边 + V1 + 一边 + V2 in real Chinese

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