JLPT N4 Grammar
· Elementary
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· Elementary
while; during (specific point)
Category: Time & Sequence
The grammar pattern "V-ている / Adj / N-の + 間に" is used to indicate that an action occurs at some point within the time another state or action is happening. This pattern is often used to describe a situation where the action in the main clause is completed before the period in the 'aida ni' clause ends. It requires the dictionary or progressive form for verbs, and the subject of the two clauses can be the same or different. The nuance of this pattern is to highlight the timing of the action in relation to another state or action.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form | V-ている + N-の + aida ni | tabetai + gakusei no + aida ni |
| Progressive form | V-ている + N-の + aida ni | tabete iru + gakusei no + aida ni |
| Adjective or noun | Adj / N-の + aida ni | hitori no + aida ni |
家族が寝ている間に、こっそり家を出た。
Kazoku ga nemutte iru aida ni, kossori ie o deta.
While the family was sleeping, I snuck out of the house.
家族が寝ている (The family is sleeping) + 間に (during) + こっそり家を出た (snuck out of the house)
日本にいる間、日本語を勉強したい。
Nihon ni iru aida ni, nihongo o benkyou shita i.
While I'm in Japan, I want to study Japanese.
日本にいる (I'm in Japan) + 間に (during) + 日本語を勉強したい (want to study Japanese)
独身の間、たくさん旅行をしておいたほうがいいですよ。
Dokushin no aida, takusan ryokou o shite oita hou ga ii desu yo.
While you're single, it's a good idea to travel a lot.
独身の (single) + 間に (during) + たくさん旅行をしておいたほうがいい (it's a good idea to travel a lot)
This pattern is used to describe a situation where an action occurs during a specific period of time. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a daily routine or a specific event. The subject of the two clauses can be the same or different. This pattern is often used in informal writing and speaking.
Aida ni' is used to describe a situation where an action occurs during a specific period of time, so it's not suitable for one-time actions.
'Made ni' is used to describe a situation where an action is completed by a deadline, whereas 'aida ni' is used to describe a situation where an action occurs during a specific period of time.
'Nagara' is used to describe a situation where two actions occur simultaneously, whereas 'aida ni' is used to describe a situation where an action occurs during a specific period of time.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the dictionary or progressive form for verbs, and pay attention to the subject of the two clauses. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with 'made ni' or 'nagara'.
家族が寝ている ______ 、こっそり家を出た。
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