while

while

1. (alistuskonjunktio) kun taas

   The word ‘airplane’ is North American, while ‘aeroplane’ is British.

   Sana ’airplane’ on pohjoisamerikkalainen, kun taas ’aeroplane’ on brittiläinen.

   I wanted to go to the cinema, while she insisted we go to the theatre.

2. (alistuskonjunktio) vaikka, vaikkakin, jos kohta

   While this word does exist, it is very uncommon.

   While I understand your problem, there is nothing I can do about it right now.

3. (alistuskonjunktio) kun; sillä aikaa kun

   Nothing much happened while you were away.

   While I was in England I went to see my penfriend.

   Let's go and see your cousin while we're here.

   I found the old letter while I was cleaning the cupboards.

• (kun taas) whereas
• (vaikka) although, whilst, despite the fact that
• (kun) whilst

while (monikko whiles)

1. aika, hetki, tovi

   We only stayed for a short while.

   We chatted for a while.

   It's been a while! – Pitkästä aikaa!

   Oh, it all happened a while ago. – jo aikoja sitten

   We liked the place very much so we stayed there quite a while. – melkoisen tovin, pitkän aikaa

• meanwhile

while

1. (to while away) viettää, kuluttaa (leppoisasti) aikaa, lomailla

   Muscovites moved to their dachas to while away the unexpected vacation.