Alors que is a French conjuction that has multiple meanings including “while” or “when”, as well as “even though” and “whereas”.
Alors que
while, when, even though, whereas
Example sentences
For this first example, alors que can translate to “when” or “while”. It’s used to connect to simultaneous actions.
Le téléphone a sonné alors que nous étions à table.
The phone rang while we were at the table.
For these next two sentences, alors que translates to “even though” and “whereas”. It is used to express the contrast of two opposing points or ideas.
Cet homme gagne bien sa vie alors qu’il travaille très peu.
This man makes a good living even though he works very little.
Je préfère la glace au chocolat alors que ma femme préfère la glace à la vanille.
I prefer chocolate ice cream whereas my wife prefers vanilla ice cream.
For this last sentence, translations of alors que include “even though” and “despite the fact that”.
Il m’a critiqué alors que j’attendais des compliments !
He criticized me even though I was expecting compliments.
Related lessons
- When in French: quand vs. lorsque
- Alors – so, then
- Cependant – However, yet, nevertheless
- Pourtant – Yet, However
- Bien que – Even though, although
- Quoique – Even though, although
Reference
Word of the Day | Lessons by David Issokson
