Vietnamese 'trong khi' Usage (While / However)
'trong khi' is commonly used to express 'while' or 'however', a structure English speakers should prioritize learning.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'trong khi' is commonly used to express 'while' or 'however', a structure English speakers should prioritize learning.
English meanings
- while
- however
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Trong khi tôi nấu ăn, anh ấy dọn bàn.
While I cook, he sets the table.
2
Tôi thích cà phê, trong khi cô ấy thích trà.
I like coffee, whereas she likes tea.
How to use it
'trong khi' has two common uses: 1) to indicate 'while' or 'during' an action, 2) to contrast two situations meaning 'however' or 'whereas'.
- For simultaneous actions, 'trong khi' introduces the ongoing background action.
- For contrast, the two clauses usually involve different people or situations.
- Do not use 'trong khi' as a general substitute for 'but'.
Compared with English
Compared with English
English distinguishes 'while' for simultaneous actions and 'whereas' for contrast; Vietnamese 'trong khi' covers both, context clarifies meaning.
Common mistakes
Trong khi tôi nấu ăn anh ấy.
Trong khi tôi nấu ăn, anh ấy dọn bàn.
'trong khi' clause must be followed by a complete main clause.
Tôi thích cà phê, trong khi.
Tôi thích cà phê, trong khi cô ấy thích trà.
For contrast, 'trong khi' must be followed by another complete situation.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Which meaning can 'trong khi' NOT express alone?
Show answer
Multiple choice
Which meaning can 'trong khi' NOT express alone?
- giving something to someone
- while
- contrast / however
Answer: giving something to someone
Explanation: 'trong khi' expresses time background or contrast, not giving.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ tôi nấu ăn, anh ấy dọn bàn.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ tôi nấu ăn, anh ấy dọn bàn.
Answer: Trong khi tôi nấu ăn, anh ấy dọn bàn.
Explanation: 'trong khi' introduces an ongoing background action.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "While I cook, he sets the table." into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "While I cook, he sets the table." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Trong khi tôi nấu ăn, anh ấy dọn bàn.
Explanation: Use trong khi in the same structure as the example.
True or false
Is 'Trong khi tôi nấu ăn anh ấy.' correct?
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True or false
Is 'Trong khi tôi nấu ăn anh ấy.' correct?
Answer: False
Explanation: 'trong khi' clause must be followed by a complete main clause.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi học, trong khi bạn.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi học, trong khi bạn.
Answer: Tôi học, trong khi bạn nghỉ ngơi.
Explanation: Contrast requires a complete clause after 'trong khi'.