al mismo tiempo que
Lemma Details
Translation: at the same time as; while; as; simultaneously with
Part of Speech: conjunction
Etymology: This Spanish conjunction is composed of several elements: 'al' (contraction of 'a' + 'el'), 'mismo' (same), 'tiempo' (time), and 'que' (that/which). The phrase literally translates to 'at the same time that' in English. 'Tiempo' derives from Latin 'tempus' (time), which is related to English words like 'temporal' and 'contemporary'. 'Mismo' comes from Latin 'metipsimus', an emphatic form of 'ipse' (self), which evolved through Vulgar Latin.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Estudiaba al mismo tiempo que trabajaba.
He was studying at the same time as he was working.
Al mismo tiempo que hablaba, gesticulaba con las manos.
While he was speaking, he was gesticulating with his hands.
La película comenzó al mismo tiempo que llegamos al cine.
The movie started at the same time as we arrived at the cinema.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'mismo tiempo' as 'same time' and add 'al' (at the) and 'que' (that) to get 'at the same time that'.
- Visualize two clocks showing the exact same time to remember this phrase indicates simultaneity.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This conjunction is widely used in both written and spoken Spanish across all Spanish-speaking regions. It's a standard way to express simultaneity of actions or events.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Al mismo tiempo que' emphasizes the simultaneity of actions, while 'mientras que' can also imply contrast between simultaneous actions.
Notes: 'Al mismo tiempo que' is more specific about exact simultaneity, whereas 'mientras que' can have a broader temporal overlap.
Mnemonic: 'Al mismo tiempo que' focuses on the 'same time' aspect, while 'mientras que' can highlight differences between simultaneous actions.
Explanation: Both phrases mean essentially the same thing, but 'al mismo tiempo que' is slightly more formal and explicit about the simultaneity.
Notes: These phrases are often interchangeable, but 'al mismo tiempo que' might be preferred in more formal writing.
Mnemonic: Think of 'al mismo tiempo que' as emphasizing the 'sameness' of the time with 'mismo', while 'a la vez que' emphasizes doing things 'at once'.