Simultaneous Tasks with "yi bian"

Multitasking is vital to life in the modern world (most likely you are reading this article on a separate tab among many in your browser!), therefore it would make sense to learn a way to express simultaneous tasks in Chinese!

Structure

To express that one thing is done whilst doing something else, the word 一边 (yībiān) is used.

Subject + 一边 + Verb, + 一边 + Verb

Note that you sometimes see 一边 shortened to 边 as well, which has a less formal feel.

Examples

我一边看电视，一边吃东西。

I watch TV while I eat something.

他们一边唱歌，一边跳舞。

They dance while they sing.

你喜欢一边散步一边聊天吗？

Do you like talking while walking?

我们一边吃一边聊吧。

Let's eat while we talk.

请你一边看一边读。

Please look while you read.

我一边工作一边听音乐。

I listen to music while working

小孩子喜欢一边吃饭一边玩。

Children like to eat while they play.

一边走路一边看美女。

Looking at pretty girls while walking on the road.

那个男人一边说一边笑。

That guy laughs while he talks.

我觉得一边喝酒一边跳舞很难。

I think drinking alcohol and dancing at the same time is very hard.

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