while
conjunction uk/waɪl/ us/waɪl/
(DURING)
A2 (also formal whilst, /waɪlst/ /waɪlst/)在…的时候;与…同时
during the time that, or at the same time as
I read it while you were drying your hair. 在你吹干头发的时候我读了它。
While I was in Italy I went to see Alessandro. 在意大利的时候，我去看望了亚历山德罗。
I thought I heard him come in while we were having dinner. 我想在我们吃饭的时候我听见他进来了。
"I'm going to the post office." "While you're there can you get me some stamps?" “我要去邮局。”“你去的时候帮我买些邮票好吗？”
- More examples
- I thought I'd take advantage of the sports facilities while I'm here.
- I found these photos while I was cleaning out my cupboards.
- I'm acting as deputy while the boss is away.
- I didn't drink at all while I was pregnant.
- I gained a lot of weight while I was on holiday.
(ALTHOUGH)
B2 (also formal whilst)虽然;尽管
despite the fact that; although
While I accept that he's not perfect in many respects, I do actually like the man. 虽然我承认他在很多方面不是那么完美，但我实际上还是非常喜欢这个男人的。
While I fully understand your point of view, I also have some sympathy with Michael's. 尽管我完全能理解你的观点，但我在一定程度上也赞同迈克尔的观点。
- More examples
- While your work has improved greatly, there are still some areas that concern me.
- While I'd like to accept your offer, I'm unable to at the present time.
- While I admire your courage, it's sometimes better not to get involved.
- While I'd be willing to help you on this occasion, I may not always be able to in future.
- While I'm reluctant to make a fuss, I feel I really must complain.
(BUT)
B1 然而;但是
compared with the fact that; but
He gets £50,000 a year while I get a meagre £20,000! 他每年挣5万英镑，而我只有可怜的2万！
Tom is very extrovert and confident while Katy's shy and quiet. 汤姆性格外向，非常自信，而凯蒂却羞涩文静。
I do all the housework while he just does the dishes now and again. 家务活我样样都得干，而他却只是偶尔刷刷碗而已。
- More examples
- Walnut is a hard wood, while pine is soft.
- He likes football, while I prefer rugby.
- I get 25 days holiday a year, while she gets over 50.
- Simon will have steak, while I'll have the fish.
- He wanted to go the party, while I wanted to stay in.
while
noun uk/waɪl/ us/waɪl/
a whileB1 一会儿；一段时间
a length of time
I only stayed for a short while. 我就呆了一小会儿。
You were there quite a while (= a long time), weren't you? 你在那儿呆了很长时间，是不是？
"When did that happen?" "Oh, it was a while ago (= a long time ago). “那是什么时候发生的？”“噢，是很久之前了。”
I haven't seen him for a while (= for a long time). 我已经很久没见到他了。
I'll be fine in a while (= soon). 我很快就会好的。
Idiom
all the whileidiom 整段时间;一直
for all of a period of time
There I was thinking you were hard at work and you were upstairs in bed all the while! 我以为你在努力工作，可你却一直在楼上睡觉！