N + 동안 / V + -는 동안 – During / For / While

Conjugation & Pattern

• Time Noun: N + 동안(에) (e.g., 3일 동안, 방학 동안)
• Verb (and 있다/없다): V + -는 동안(에) (ㄹ drops before ㄴ: 살다 -> 사는 동안)

Detailed Usage

Indicates the span of time during which an action or state continues. Unlike '-(으)면서' (which requires the same subject in both clauses), '-는 동안' can be used whether the subjects of the two clauses are the same or different.

Example Sentences

1. 1

   어머니가 요리하는 동안 아버지는 거실을 청소하셨어요.

   Eomeoniga yorihaneun dongan abeojineun geosireul cheongsohasyeosseoyo.

   While my mother was cooking, my father cleaned the living room.

2. 2

   한국에 있는 동안 한국어를 열심히 배웠습니다.

   Hanguge inneun dongan hangugeoreul yeolsimhi baewotseumnida.

   While I was in Korea, I studied Korean hard.

3. 3

   제가 여행하는 동안 우리 강아지 좀 돌봐 주세요.

   Jega yeohaenghaneun dongan uri gangaji jom dolbwa juseyo.

   Please look after my puppy while I am traveling.