〜間に aida ni

〜間に（aida ni）means “while; during (at some point within)”. Marks a span of time, and the main clause happens at one point inside that span (not throughout). Formation: V-る／V-ている＋間に、Aい＋間に、Aな＋間に、Nの＋間に（普通形＋間に）

while; during (at some point within)

N4

Formation

V-る／V-ている＋間に、Aい＋間に、Aな＋間に、Nの＋間に（普通形＋間に）

Explanation

Marks a span of time, and the main clause happens at one point inside that span (not throughout). Often translated 'while' or 'before it ends'. Contrast with 〜間, where the main action lasts the whole time.

Examples

赤ちゃんが寝ている間に、洗濯をしてしまいました。
あかちゃんがねているあいだに、せんたくをしてしまいました。
While the baby was sleeping, I got the laundry done.
明るい間に、家に帰りましょう。
あかるいあいだに、いえにかえりましょう。
Let's go home while it's still light out.

Note

Use 〜間に for a one-time action inside the period; 〜間 for an action lasting the whole period.

FAQ

〜間に — what does it mean and how is it used?

while; during (at some point within). Marks a span of time, and the main clause happens at one point inside that span (not throughout). Often translated 'while' or 'before it ends'. Contrast with 〜間, where the main action lasts the whole time.

〜間に — how do you form it?

V-る／V-ている＋間に、Aい＋間に、Aな＋間に、Nの＋間に（普通形＋間に）

〜間に — any usage notes?

Use 〜間に for a one-time action inside the period; 〜間 for an action lasting the whole period.

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