Japanese grammar
What does ～あいだに mean? Japanese grammar N3
～あいだに means while ~ is ongoing, another action occurs/completes.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vている + 間に Aい + 間に Aな + な + 間に Nの + 間に |
| Romaji | aidani |
| Meaning | while ~ is ongoing, another action occurs/completes |
Forming it
| Noun | 留守 + の + 間に |
|---|---|
| Verb | 寝ている + 間に |
| i-adjective | 若い + 間に |
How to use it
States a bounded time span (first clause), within which an event occurs and usually finishes before that span ends.
- 「～間に」 marks an event that occurs at ONE POINT within the time span in the first clause, and usually finishes before that span ends. The second clause therefore has a "point-like" nature (arrives, occurs, gets done).
- Different from 「～間」 (without 「に」): 「間」 emphasizes an action continuing THROUGHOUT that span, while 「間に」 emphasizes something happening at one point within the span.
- Compared to 「～うちに」: 「うちに」 adds the nuance "before the state disappears / while the opportunity still exists", while 「間に」 is more neutral in terms of timing.
Examples
母が電話をしている間に、私は宿題を終わらせた。
While my mother was on the phone, I finished my homework.
留守の間に、宅配便が届いていた。
While I was out, a parcel had been delivered.
Keep in mind
- To say "throughout that entire period," drop 「に」 and use 「間」 alone.
- The subjects of the two clauses are usually different: while A is doing something, B happens.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong夏休みの間に、毎日プールに通っていた。
Throughout summer vacation, I went to the pool every day.
Correct夏休みの間、毎日プールに通っていた。
For something repeated throughout the whole break (毎日通う), use 「間」 without 「に」; 「間に」 is for something happening once within the span.
-
Wrong若い間に、いろいろな経験をしたい。
While I'm still young, I want to experience many things.
Correct若いうちに、いろいろな経験をしたい。
The meaning "while still young, before youth is over" emphasizes a fading opportunity, so it's more natural with 「うちに」.
Exam tips
- Check whether the second clause is a one-time (point) event or something continuing throughout the span: point → 「間に」, continuous → 「間」.