zatiaľ čo

While and Whereas

Level 4

Zatiaľ čo links two situations side by side: at the same time, or in contrast.

How It Works

Two situations side by side. Zatiaľ čo puts two clauses next to each other. Often both readings are there at once: Ja pracujem, zatiaľ čo ty spíš is about the same time and about the unfairness of it.

  • Same time (while): Zatiaľ čo deti spali, rodičia pripravili darčeky.
  • Contrast (whereas): Na severe sneží, zatiaľ čo na juhu svieti slnko.

Commas and spelling. Write zatiaľ čo as two words. The comma goes before zatiaľ, and there is none between zatiaľ and čo: …, zatiaľ čo ty spíš. When the clause comes first, the comma goes after it.

Keep the čo. Zatiaľ alone is an adverb meaning for now or so far: Zatiaľ je všetko v poriadku (So far everything is fine). It cannot join two clauses.

Neighbours. Kým also means while, and it is more common in everyday speech for the time meaning. Pričom adds a circumstance to a whole clause in formal style.

Examples (5)

  1. Ja pracujem, zatiaľ čo ty spíš.

    I'm working while you're sleeping.

    Word by Word: I work, while you sleep.

  2. Zatiaľ čo deti spali, rodičia pripravili darčeky.

    While the children were sleeping, the parents got the presents ready.

    Word by Word: While children slept, parents prepared presents.

    Two actions at the same time.

  3. Brat je vysoký, zatiaľ čo sestra je skôr malá.

    My brother is tall, whereas my sister is rather short.

    Word by Word: Brother is tall, whereas sister is rather small.

    A contrast between two people.

  4. Na severe sneží, zatiaľ čo na juhu svieti slnko.

    It's snowing in the north, while the sun is shining in the south.

    Word by Word: On north it-snows, while on south shines sun.

  5. Zatiaľ čo sme minulý rok veľa cestovali, tento rok zostaneme doma.

    While we travelled a lot last year, this year we'll stay at home.

    Word by Word: While we-are last year a-lot travelled, this year we-will-stay at-home.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving out čo.

    Ja pracujem, zatiaľ ty spíš.
    Ja pracujem, zatiaľ čo ty spíš.

    Zatiaľ alone means for now or so far and cannot join two clauses. The conjunction is zatiaľ čo.

How It Connects

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

zatiaľ čoLevel 4While and Whereas

Learn This First

Before While and Whereas, learn While and Until: kým. zatiaľ čo is a time or contrast conjunction like kým.