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Definition
The grammar pattern "V(ている形) + 最中に / N + の + 最中に" is used to indicate that an action is currently happening and is often interrupted by an unexpected event. This pattern is more emphatic than 'aida ni' or 'te iru tokoro' and is often used to convey a sense of surprise or interruption. For example, if someone is in the middle of a meeting and their phone rings, they might say "会議の最中に携帯電話が鳴ってしまった" to express their frustration.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present continuous form of the verb (ている形) | V(ている形) + 最中に | 会議の最中に (in the middle of a meeting) |
| Noun | N + の + 最中に | 会議の最中に (in the middle of a meeting) |
| Present continuous form of the verb (ている形) | V(ている形) + 最中に | 食事の最中に (in the middle of a meal) |
Examples
会議の最中に携帯電話が鳴ってしまった。
Kaigi no saishū ni keitai denwa ga natta shite shimatta.
My phone rang in the middle of the meeting.
会議の最中に (in the middle of the meeting) + 携帯電話が鳴ってしまった (my phone rang)
シャワーを最中に誰かが来た。
Shawā o saishū ni dareka ga kita.
Someone came in the middle of my shower.
シャワーを最中に (in the middle of my shower) + 誰かが来た (someone came)
大切なことを考えている最中に邪魔をしないでください。
Taisetsu na koto o kangaete iru saishū ni, jama o shinai de kudasai.
Please don't disturb me while I'm thinking about something important.
大切なことを考えている最中に (in the middle of thinking about something important) + 邪魔をしないでください (please don't disturb me)
Context
This pattern is used to indicate that an action is currently happening and is often interrupted by an unexpected event. It is more emphatic than 'aida ni' or 'te iru tokoro' and is often used to convey a sense of surprise or interruption. The pattern can be used with both verbs and nouns, but the verb form must be in the present continuous form (ている形).
Watch out
When using this pattern with a noun, it's essential to include the particle 'の' to indicate possession or relationship.
This pattern requires a verb that describes a continuous action, such as '考えている' (thinking) or '食事をしている' (eating).
'Aida ni' is a more general pattern that doesn't necessarily imply interruption. Use this pattern to convey a sense of surprise or interruption.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct verb form (ている形) and include the particle 'の' when using a noun. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with 'aida ni', which has a different meaning.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V(ている形) + 最中に / N + の + 最中に used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
会議の最中に、携帯電話が鳴ってしまった。
Pattern used: 最中に
'Saichu ni' is perfect for an interruption (phone ringing) during an ongoing event (meeting).
シャワーを浴びている最中に、誰かが来た。
Pattern used: 浴びている
The 'te iru' form is required to show the continuous action of taking a shower.
大切なことを考えている最中に、邪魔をしないでください。
Pattern used: 最中に
'Saichu ni' emphasizes the deep concentration that shouldn't be interrupted.
Interactive
会議の______、携帯電話が鳴ってしまった。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.