Learn Japanese grammar: 間に 【あいだに】(aida ni). Meaning: while/during~ something happened.
Meaning 1) doing with intent while~
This is very similar to 間 (aida), but one difference is that it can also show intent. That you intentionally chose to do something during some time or take advantage of an opportunity.
待っている間に本を読んだ。
matteiru aida ni hon o yonda.
I read a book while I waited.
This expresses that you took advantage of the time you were waiting to read a book.
Meaning 2) while/during [A] something happened
This can also express something that happened while or during a time period that is not in your control.
寝ている間に夢を見ました。
neteiru aida ni yume o mimashita.
I had a dream while I was sleeping.
Having a dream is something that is out of our control, so this simply expresses that the dream had happened during the period you were asleep.
Click the image to download the flashcard.
Become a JLPT Sensei member on Patreon for extra bonus downloads.
間に - Example Sentences 例文
Each example sentence includes a Japanese hint, the romaji reading, and the English translation.
Click the below red button to toggle off and and on all of the hints, and you can click on the buttons individually to show only the ones you want to see.
Example #1
夜の間に火事が起こった。
Example #2
知らない間に寝ていた。
Example #3
日本にいる間に、日本語が上手になりたいです。
Example #4
休みの間に漢字を200個覚えた。
Example #5
先生がいない間にスマホを見ていた。
Example #6
私が料理をしている間に電話がなった。
Example #7
昨日、私は買い物をしている間に自転車を盗まれた。
Example #8
夏休みの間に、復習しておいてくださいね。
Example #9
電車を待っている間にこの雑誌でも読んでください。
Example #10
彼は手術を受けている間に死んだ。
Vocabulary List 語彙
| Kanji 漢字 | Kana カナ | English 英語 |
|---|---|---|
| 日本 | にほん | Japan |
| 上手 | じょうず | skillful; skilled; proficient; good (at) |
| 電車 | でんしゃ | train; electric train |
| 休み | やすみ | rest; vacation; holiday |
View all JLPT N4 Vocabulary Lessons
View all JLPT N4 Grammar Lessons
Recommended JLPT N4 Books
Nihongo So-matome: JLPT N4 Grammar
This book covers all of the JLPT N4 Grammar in 6 weeks! (It also includes reading and listening practice)
See price on Amazon
GENKI II: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese
This is the best all around book for beginners learning Japanese in English. I used this in my first year studying Japanese. I found it to be far better and easier to use than the many other books I was using. This is the second book in the series and should cover most of what you need to pass JLPT N4.
See price on Amazon
Kanzen Master Jlpt Grammar N4
This book covers all of the grammar that you need to know to pass the JLPT N4, and includes great practice excercises. One down side though, is it's mostly in Japanese, but that will help you in the long run.
See price on Amazon
Jlpt N4 Japanese Lauguage Proficiency Test Official Practice Test
This is the official practice test of the JLPT N4. I highly recommend doing at least 1 practice test before taking the real test.
See price on Amazon
