في هذه/تلك الأثناء — meaning in English: In this / meantime

Usage

Native speakers use 'في هذه/تلك الأثناء' in both casual and formal conversations when discussing events occurring simultaneously. For instance, one might say, 'في هذه الأثناء، كنت أدرس العربية' (In the meantime, I was studying Arabic) while waiting for a friend, or during a business meeting to indicate ongoing tasks.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 'بينما' (while), but 'في هذه/تلك الأثناء' specifically emphasizes the ongoing nature of an action during a different event. You would use this phrase when you want to highlight two concurrent situations distinctly.

Culture

'في هذه/تلك الأثناء' has roots in classical Arabic, where the concept of time and its passage plays a significant role in storytelling and poetry. This phrase embodies the fluidity of time, often reflecting the cultural emphasis on patience and the importance of ongoing processes in daily life.

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