면서 (myeon-seo, myeonseo) · 으며 (eu-myeo, eumyeo) · 고 (go)
면서, 으며, and 고 all connect actions or states, but differ in nuance: simultaneity, listing, and simple connection respectively.
One lane per word — no nested boxes, just the gist.
A connective ending indicating two actions or states happening simultaneously
When to use
simultaneous actions, same subject, action and state at once
The nuance
Used when the subject is the same and two actions or states occur simultaneously; common in both spoken and written Korean.
A connective ending used to list two actions or states, mainly in formal or written contexts.
When to use
listing actions, formal/written, same subject
The nuance
Used when the subject is the same and listing multiple actions or states; mainly in formal or written language.
A connective ending that simply connects two actions or states; subjects can differ and it is common in spoken language.
When to use
simple connection, different subjects possible, spoken language
The nuance
Can be used regardless of whether the subjects are the same or different; connects two actions or states simply; very common in spoken Korean.
나는 밥을 먹으면서 TV를 본다.
na-neun bap-eul meok-eu-myeon-seo tvreul bon-da., na neun bap eul meok eu myeon seo tvreul bon da.
Two actions (eating and watching) happen simultaneously with the same subject, so '면서' is appropriate.
나는 밥을 먹으며 TV를 본다.
na-neun bap-eul meok-eu-myeo tvreul bon-da., na neun bap eul meok eu myeo tvreul bon da.
'으며' is for listing or formal writing and lacks the nuance of simultaneity; awkward in spoken context here.
나는 밥을 먹고 TV를 본다.
na-neun bap-eul meok-go tvreul bon-da., na neun bap eul meok go tvreul bon da.
Simply connects two actions; time order doesn't have to be clear; natural in spoken Korean.
나는 밥을 먹으며 운동을 한다.
na-neun bap-eul meok-eu-myeo un-dong-eul han-da., na neun bap eul meok eu myeo un dong eul han da.
Lists two actions; suitable for formal or written language.
나는 밥을 먹으면서 운동을 한다.
na-neun bap-eul meok-eu-myeon-seo un-dong-eul han-da., na neun bap eul meok eu myeon seo un dong eul han da.
Two actions happen simultaneously with the same subject, so '면서' fits.
나는 밥을 먹고 운동을 한다.
na-neun bap-eul meok-go un-dong-eul han-da., na neun bap eul meok go un dong eul han da.
Simply connects two actions; very natural in spoken Korean.
나는 밥을 먹으며 TV를 본다.
na-neun bap-eul meok-eu-myeo tvreul bon-da., na neun bap eul meok eu myeo tvreul bon da.
'으며' is inappropriate when simultaneity is needed; '면서' should be used instead.
비가 오면서 바람이 분다.
bi-ga o-myeon-seo ba-ram-i bun-da., bi ga o myeon seo ba ram i bun da.
'면서' requires the same subject; here subjects differ, so use '고' or '으며'.
Which connective ending is appropriate when two actions happen simultaneously with the same subject?
Which connective ending is used to list two actions in formal writing?
Which connective ending can have different subjects and is common in spoken language?
In the sentence '나는 밥을 먹으면서 공부한다.', which connective ending cannot replace '면서'?
