-ते समय

While Doing Something

Level 3Sounds Like tē samaya

Stem + -ते समय = while doing: खाना खाते समय (while eating).

How It Works

-ते समय names a time when something else happens. खाना खाते समय means at the time of eating, so while eating.

VerbWhile ...
खानाखाते समय (while eating)
सोनासोते समय (while sleeping)
चलानागाड़ी चलाते समय (while driving)
निकलनाघर से निकलते समय (while leaving home)

The -ते ending is the one you know from पीते हैं, but here it never changes. A woman also says खाते समय, not खाती समय.

This pattern is very common in advice and rules: सड़क पार करते समय ध्यान रखना (Be careful when crossing the road).

The same person usually does both actions. When two different people are involved, a जब clause is clearer: जब मैं घर से निकल रहा था, तब बारिश शुरू हुई.

In everyday speech you will also hear -ते वक़्त, with the same meaning.

Examples (5)

  1. खाना खाते समय बात मत करो।

    Don't talk while you're eating.

    खाते समय sets the time for the command.

  2. सड़क पार करते समय ध्यान रखना।

    Be careful when you cross the road.

    करते समय says when to be careful; the -ना form makes it friendly advice.

  3. गाड़ी चलाते समय फ़ोन पर बात नहीं करनी चाहिए।

    You shouldn't talk on the phone while driving.

    चलाते समय names the time of the action.

  4. घर से निकलते समय मैंने लाइट बंद कर दी।

    I switched off the light as I left the house.

    The main verb takes ने; the -ते form does not change.

  5. सोते समय वह बहुत शांत लगता है।

    He looks so peaceful when he's asleep.

    सोते समय can also mean during sleep.

Common Mistakes

  • Changing -ते for a feminine subject.

    रीमा खाना खाती समय टीवी देखती है।
    रीमा खाना खाते समय टीवी देखती है।

    Before समय, the form is always -ते, whoever does the action.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

-ते समयLevel 3While Doing Something

Learn This First

While doing puts the -ते form before समय.

Words in This Pattern

समय-ता