This is the 78th most frequent Afrikaans word.
terwyl
"Terwyl" means "while" or "whilst" in English.
The word 'terwyl' is used as a conjunction to show two actions happening simultaneously.
Ek leer Afrikaans, terwyl hy Engels leer.
I learn Afrikaans while he learns English.
Here 'terwyl' introduces a subordinate clause to indicate overlap in the timing of actions.
Terwyl jy kook, moet jy na die timer luister.
While you cook, you should listen to the timer.
'Terwyl' links two independent activities, emphasizing their concurrent occurrence.