HSK 4
同时……
tóngshí……
at the same time…
Structure
Sentence 1, (同时) + Sentence 2 / Subject + Verb 1, 同时 + Verb 2
How it works
The word '同时' (tóngshí) functions as both a noun meaning 'at the same time' and a conjunction meaning 'moreover' or 'simultaneously'. It is used to connect two actions occurring at once or to add a supplementary point that complements the previous statement.
Examples
他每天听音乐，同时做作业。
Tā měitiān tīng yīnyuè, tóngshí zuò zuòyè.
He listens to music and does homework at the same time every day.
这部电影很感人，同时也很有趣。
Zhè bù diànyǐng hěn gǎnrén, tóngshí yě hěn yǒuqù.
This movie is very touching, and at the same time, it is very interesting.
由于路不好走，同时天气也差，我们迟到了。
Yóuyú lù bù hǎo zǒu, tóngshí tiānqì yě chà, wǒmen chídào le.
Because the road was hard to travel and the weather was also bad, we were late.
Common mistakes
Don't confuse '同时' with '的时候' (de shíhou). '同时' emphasizes two parallel actions or facts, while '的时候' simply indicates a specific time frame.
Tip
When using '同时' to add a point, it is often paired with '也' (yě) or '还' (hái) in the second clause to strengthen the connection.
More HSK 4 grammar
See 同时…… in real Chinese
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