When to use the meantime in Korean

When to use it

(그동안) means "during that time" or "in the meantime." You use it when one action is happening, and another action happens while you wait. It can also mean "all this time" when talking about the period until now.

Example sentences

1. 엄마가 저녁을 만들어요. 그동안 저는 식탁을 닦아요.

   Mom is making dinner. In the meantime, I wipe the table.

2. 선생님이 회의 중이에요. 그동안 우리는 책을 읽어요.

   The teacher is in a meeting. In the meantime, we read a book.

3. 아빠가 차를 주차해요. 그동안 저는 공원에서 기다려요.

   Dad parks the car. In the meantime, I wait in the park.

4. 친구가 전화를 받아요. 그동안 저는 메뉴를 봐요.

   My friend answers the phone. In the meantime, I look at the menu.

5. 언니가 옷을 입어 봐요. 그동안 저는 신발을 봐요.

   My older sister tries on clothes. In the meantime, I look at shoes.

6. 아빠가 표를 사요. 그동안 우리는 역에서 쉬어요.

   Dad buys the tickets. In the meantime, we rest at the station.