〜間 aida

〜間（aida）means “while; during the whole time that”. Marks a span of time during which one action continues the whole time. Formation: V-る／V-ている＋間、Aい＋間、Aな＋間、Nの＋間

while; during the whole time that

N4

Formation

V-る／V-ている＋間、Aい＋間、Aな＋間、Nの＋間

Explanation

Marks a span of time during which one action continues the whole time. The main clause typically also lasts throughout that span (use a continuous/durative verb). For an action at one point inside the span, use 〜間に instead.

Examples

赤ちゃんが寝ている間、ずっと本を読んでいました。
あかちゃんがねているあいだ、ずっとほんをよんでいました。
While the baby was sleeping, I was reading a book the whole time.
夏休みの間、毎日プールで泳いでいました。
なつやすみのあいだ、まいにちぷーるでおよいでいました。
During the summer vacation, I swam in the pool every day.

Note

〜間 = the whole span (durative main clause). 〜間に = one moment inside the span (punctual main clause).

FAQ

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

while; during the whole time that. Marks a span of time during which one action continues the whole time. The main clause typically also lasts throughout that span (use a continuous/durative verb). For an action at one point inside the span, use 〜間に instead.

〜間 — how do you form it?

V-る／V-ている＋間、Aい＋間、Aな＋間、Nの＋間

〜間 — any usage notes?

〜間 = the whole span (durative main clause). 〜間に = one moment inside the span (punctual main clause).

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