Usage of 同时
同时 means "at the same time" and is used to express two or more actions or states happening concurrently. It can connect verbs or clauses to emphasize simultaneity.
Common Collocations
- 同时进行 (to carry out simultaneously): used in contexts like projects or tasks happening together.
- 同时考虑 (to consider simultaneously): often used in decision-making or planning.
- 不仅...同时... (not only... but also...): a common pattern to add emphasis on two qualities or facts.
Nuances
同时 often implies a deliberate or notable overlap of actions or conditions. It is more formal than just using "和" (and) and is common in both spoken and written Chinese.
Avoiding Confusion
Don't confuse 同时 with 时候 (time when something happens) or 刚才 (just now). 同时 specifically stresses simultaneity rather than a point in time.