〜最中に saichuu ni

〜最中に（saichuu ni）means “right in the middle of ~ing”. Marks the very moment something is at its peak / fully underway, when another event interrupts. Formation: V-ている / Nの + 最中に

right in the middle of ~ing

N3

Formation

V-ている / Nの + 最中に

Explanation

Marks the very moment something is at its peak / fully underway, when another event interrupts. Use Vている＋最中に or Nの＋最中に. The interrupting event is usually unexpected or inconvenient.

Examples

会議をしている最中に、急に停電した。
かいぎをしているさいちゅうに、きゅうにていでんした。
Right in the middle of the meeting, the power suddenly went out.
食事の最中に電話がかかってきて、ゆっくり食べられなかった。
しょくじのさいちゅうにでんわがかかってきて、ゆっくりたべられなかった。
A call came right in the middle of the meal, so I couldn't eat in peace.

Note

Stronger than 〜ているとき: emphasizes the action is at its very height. The interrupting event is typically negative/surprising.

FAQ

〜最中に — what does it mean and how is it used?

right in the middle of ~ing. Marks the very moment something is at its peak / fully underway, when another event interrupts. Use Vている＋最中に or Nの＋最中に. The interrupting event is usually unexpected or inconvenient.

〜最中に — how do you form it?

V-ている / Nの + 最中に

〜最中に — any usage notes?

Stronger than 〜ているとき: emphasizes the action is at its very height. The interrupting event is typically negative/surprising.

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