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while; during
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-ている / Adj / N-の + 間" is used to describe an action or state that continues for the entire duration of another state. This pattern emphasizes the continuity of the action or state throughout the duration of the main clause. It is often used to describe a situation where an action or state is ongoing while another action or state is happening. For example, "母が料理をしている間、私はずっと居間で本を読んでいた" means "While my mother was cooking, I was reading a book in the living room for a long time."
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form or progressive form for verbs | V-ている / Adj / N-の + 間 | 母が料理をしている間、 |
| Dictionary form for adjectives | Adj / N-の + 間 | ずっと北海道の祖母の家に |
| Dictionary form for nouns | N-の + 間 | 夏休みの間 |
Examples
夏休みの間、ずっと北海道の祖母の家にいました。
Natsuyasumi no aida, zutto Hokkaido no obaachan no ie ni imashita.
I stayed at my grandmother's house in Hokkaido for the entire summer vacation.
夏休みの間 (during the summer vacation), ずっと (for a long time), 北海道の祖母の家 (my grandmother's house in Hokkaido)
母が料理をしている間、私はずっと居間で本を読んでいた。
Haha ga ryouri o shite iru aida, watashi wa zutto iemae de hon o yonde ita.
While my mother was cooking, I was reading a book in the living room for a long time.
母が料理をしている間 (while my mother was cooking), 私はずっと (I was for a long time), 居間で (in the living room), 本を読んでいた (reading a book)
赤ちゃんが泣いている間、お母さんは隣でずっと寝ていました。
Aka-chan ga naite iru aida, okasan wa tonari de zutto nematte imashita.
While the baby was crying, my mother was sleeping next to me for a long time.
赤ちゃんが泣いている間 (while the baby was crying), お母さんは (my mother was), 隣で (next to me), ずっと寝ていました (sleeping for a long time)
Context
This pattern is used to describe a situation where an action or state is ongoing while another action or state is happening. It is often used in formal or written Japanese. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations, from everyday life to more formal or professional settings. It is also used to contrast with other patterns, such as "V-ている / Adj / N-の + に" which describes a momentary action.
Watch out
The 'aida' clause describes a continuous state, so the dictionary form or progressive form of the verb should be used to indicate this.
The 'no' particle is used to indicate possession or relationship, and is an essential part of the 'aida' clause.
While both 'aida' and 'aida ni' can be used to describe actions or states, they have different connotations and uses.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the dictionary form or progressive form of verbs, and the 'no' particle with nouns. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with 'aida ni', which describes a momentary action.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-ている / Adj / N-の + 間 used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
夏休みの 間 、ずっと北海道の祖母の家にいました。
Pattern used: 間
'Aida' is used because the action of staying in Hokkaido lasted for the entire duration of the summer vacation.
母が料理を 作っている間 、私はずっと居間で本を読んでいた。
Pattern used: 作っている間
The progressive 'te iru' form is required to show the continuous nature of the action spanning the whole duration.
赤ちゃんが 寝ている間 、お母さんは隣でずっと寝ていました。
Pattern used: 寝ている間
'Te iru aida' indicates that the mother was sleeping for the entire time the baby was sleeping.
Interactive
夏休みの ______ 、ずっと北海道の祖母の家にいました。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.