Durante vs. mentre
While the Italian words durante and mentre both relate to time and can sometimes be translated as during or while, they have distinct grammatical roles and are not interchangeable. The key difference lies in what follows them: one is followed by a thing (a noun), and the other by an action (a verb).
Durante
A2The word durante is a preposition that means during. It must be followed by a noun or a noun phrase, indicating a specific period of time in which an action occurs.
Ho letto tre capitoli durante il volo.
(I read three chapters during the flight.)
È importante rimanere idratati durante l'estate.
(It is important to stay hydrated during the summer.)
Non si può parlare durante l'esame.
(You cannot talk during the exam.)
Durante la conferenza, il relatore ha mostrato delle slide interessanti.
(During the conference, the speaker showed some interesting slides.)
Abbiamo incontrato molti amici durante la nostra vacanza in Sicilia.
(We met many friends during our vacation in Sicily.)
Mentre
A2The word mentre is a conjunction that means while or as. It is used to connect two clauses, indicating two actions happening at the same time. It must be followed by a subject and a verb. It can also mean whereas to express a contrast between two ideas or situations.
Mentre cucinavo, ascoltavo un podcast.
(While I was cooking, I was listening to a podcast.)
Lui guarda un film mentre lei legge un libro.
(He watches a movie while she reads a book.)
Non usare il cellulare mentre guidi.
(Don't use your phone while you are driving.)
Io sono vegetariano, mentre mio fratello mangia carne tutti i giorni.
(I am a vegetarian, whereas my brother eats meat every day.)
Il telefono ha squillato proprio mentre stavo uscendo di casa.
(The phone rang right as I was leaving the house.)
Summary
In short, the fundamental difference is grammatical. Use durante before a noun to mean during something (e.g., durante la lezione / during the lesson). Use mentre before a clause with a verb to mean while someone is doing something (e.g., mentre studio / while I study).