同时 (tóngshí)

同时 means at the same time or simultaneously, and is also used as a conjunction to add supplementary information or a parallel point.

Meanings

[adverb] at the same time, simultaneously
[conjunction] at the same time, moreover, in addition (linking two simultaneous facts)

Example Sentences

他同时做好几件事，效率非常高。 Tā tóngshí zuò hǎo jǐ jiàn shì, xiàolǜ fēicháng gāo. He does several things at the same time with very high efficiency.

这个方案既节省时间，同时也降低了成本。 Zhège fāng'àn jì jiéshěng shíjiān, tóngshí yě jiàngdī le chéngběn. This plan saves time while simultaneously reducing costs.

我们同时收到了来自多个客户的反馈。 Wǒmen tóngshí shōudào le láizì duō gè kèhù de fǎnkuì. We received feedback from multiple clients at the same time.

同时，我们也需要注意风险管理。 Tóngshí, wǒmen yě xūyào zhùyì fēngxiǎn guǎnlǐ. At the same time, we also need to pay attention to risk management.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
同时进行	proceed simultaneously
同时也	at the same time, also
同时兼顾	balance at the same time
同时发生	occur at the same time

Usage Notes

同时 serves both as a time adverb (happening simultaneously) and a discourse connector (similar to "meanwhile" or "at the same time, it should be noted that"). When used at the start of a sentence, it introduces an additional relevant point. It is a useful connective in formal writing and speeches.

Memory Hook

同 means "same" and 时 means "time," so 同时 is simply "same time," at the same moment.