Mientras with the present indicative or the present subjunctive in Spanish

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The word "mientras" in Spanish introduces a subordinate clause that expresses an action that is taking place at the same time as another (while) or a condition that is needed to fulfil the action in the main clause (as long as).

Mientras with the present indicative

Let's see some examples:

Mientrasves la televisión yo friego los platos.While you watch television I do the dishes.

Carla se maquilla mientras conduce.Carla puts on her make up while she is driving.

These examples above are using "mientras" followed by El Presente and it is translated as "while".

 

Mientras with the present subjunctive

Let's see some examples:

Acepto tu oferta mientras me pagues lo que prometes.I'll accept your offer as long as you pay what you are promising.

Puedes salir con tus amigos mientras yo pueda salir con mis amigas.You can go out with your friends as long as I can go out with my friends.

Here we're using "mientras" followed by El Presente de Subjuntivo and it is translated by "as long as". 

 

Let's see the difference between these two nearly identical sentences:

Vemos tu programa favorito, mientras tú preparas la cena.
We watch your favourite program while you make dinner.

Vemos tu programa favorito, mientras tú prepares la cena.
We'll watch your favourite program as long as you make dinner.

In the first example where we use El Presente (preparas) there are two actions happening at the same time (watching his favourite programme and making dinner).

In the second sentence where we use El Presente de Subjuntivo (prepares), the action in the main clause (watching his favourite programme) happens only if the condition expressed with "mientras" is fulfilled (only if he makes dinner).

Here is another example to compare:

No me importa dormir en el suelo mientrasduermes en la cama.I don't mind sleeping on the floor while you sleep on the bed.

In the sentence above two actions happen at the same time (El Presente)

No me importa dormir en el suelo mientrasduermas en la cama.I don't mind sleeping on the floor as long as you sleep on the bed.

Here, there is a condition to fulfil the action (El Presente de Subjuntivo )

Note that we can also use "siempre que..." or "mientras que..."with the same meaning as "mientras" (as long as). For example:

Te invito a un café mientras me ayudes a estudiar después.
Te invito a un café mientras que me ayudes a estudiar después.
Te invito a un café siempre que me ayudes a estudiar después.
I'll buy you a coffee as long as you help me study later.

 

Remember:

Note:

Sometimes, in sentences using the future tense in the main clause, mientras could also mean while when followed by the subjunctive. In this case, we will be talking about two actions that may happen at the same time. For example:

"Lola bailará mientras nosotros cantemos."

The meaning of this sentence could be:

1. Lola will dance as long as we sing. (only if we sing she will dance)

2. Lola will dance while we sing. (for as long as/while we sing she will dance -two possible actions happening at the same time)

 

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Examples and resources

Mientrasves la televisión yo friego los platos.While you watch television I do the dishes.
Puedes salir con tus amigos mientras yo pueda salir con mis amigas.You can go out with your friends as long as I can go out with my friends.
No me importa dormir en el suelo mientrasduermas en la cama.I don't mind sleeping on the floor as long as you sleep on the bed.
No me importa dormir en el suelo mientrasduermes en la cama.I don't mind sleeping on the floor while you sleep on the bed.
Carla se maquilla mientras conduce.Carla puts on her make up while she is driving.
Acepto tu oferta mientras me pagues lo que prometes.I'll accept your offer as long as you pay what you are promising.
Clever stuff happening!