entretanto
Lemma Details
Translation: meanwhile; in the meantime; in the interim; while
Part of Speech: adverb
Etymology: Derived from the combination of 'entre' (between) and 'tanto' (so much, such). The word literally means 'between so much (time)' which evolved to mean 'meanwhile' or 'during this time'. It shares the same conceptual formation as the English 'meanwhile' which also indicates something happening in an intervening period.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tú prepara la cena; yo, entretanto, pondré la mesa.
You prepare dinner; meanwhile, I'll set the table.
Entretanto, seguiremos con nuestro plan original.
In the meantime, we'll continue with our original plan.
La película tardará en empezar; entretanto, podemos comprar palomitas.
The movie will take a while to start; meanwhile, we can buy popcorn.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'entre' (between) + 'tanto' (so much) = 'between so much time' or 'meanwhile'
- Visualize being 'between' two events, and 'tanto' (so much) is happening during that time
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
Used commonly in both written and spoken Spanish to indicate simultaneous actions or a temporary state while waiting for something else to happen.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'entretanto' and 'mientras tanto' are synonyms and can often be used interchangeably, 'entretanto' is a single word and slightly more formal, while 'mientras tanto' is a two-word phrase that's very common in everyday speech.
Notes: Both terms are correct and widely used, with 'mientras tanto' being slightly more colloquial in some regions.
Mnemonic: 'Entretanto' is more compact (one word) like a brief interim period, while 'mientras tanto' is stretched out (two words) like a longer waiting period.
Explanation: 'Entretanto' (one word) is an adverb meaning 'meanwhile,' while 'entre tanto' (two words) can be a prepositional phrase meaning 'among so much' or 'between so many.'
Notes: The space makes a significant difference in meaning and usage.
Mnemonic: When it's one word (entretanto), think of time passing; when it's two words (entre tanto), think of being surrounded by many things.