Translation guide
The English word 'between' is used to express a relationship involving two or more entities, whether in space, time, quantity, or abstract relationships. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the appropriate expression depends on the specific meaning and context.
Expressing physical location or movement in the space that separates two or more objects, people, or places.
The most common and versatile pattern for 'between A and B' in a spatial sense. 間 (あいだ) means 'space between'.
駅と学校の間にコンビニがあります。
There is a convenience store between the station and the school.
He was standing between the cars.
Used when an action takes place within the space between A and B, often implying movement or activity.
子供たちは木と木の間で遊んでいる。
The children are playing between the trees.
Similar to の間 but emphasizes the location or direction into the space. Often interchangeable with の間.
猫がソファと壁の間に隠れた。
The cat hid between the sofa and the wall.
Referring to a time interval after one event and before another.
Standard pattern for 'between A and B' in time. まで means 'until', and 間 (あいだ) specifies the interval.
会議は1時から3時までの間に行われます。
The meeting will be held between 1 and 3 o'clock.
昼休みの間に買い物を済ませた。
I finished shopping during the lunch break (between morning and afternoon).
Can also be used for time, but から...まで is clearer for intervals.
朝と夜の間は仕事をしている。
Between morning and night, I'm working.
Indicating a value that falls within a range of numbers, amounts, or degrees.
Used for ranges of numbers, prices, temperatures, etc. Often followed by で or の.
気温は20度から25度の間でしょう。
The temperature will be between 20 and 25 degrees.
費用は10万円から15万円の間になる見込みです。
The cost is expected to be between 100,000 and 150,000 yen.
Also possible for ranges, but から...まで or から...の間 is more precise.
この車の価格は200万円と300万円の間です。
The price of this car is between 2 and 3 million yen.
Describing a connection, communication, or comparison involving two or more people, groups, or things.
Used for interactions, agreements, or relationships between parties. 間 (あいだ) here implies 'between' in a relational sense.
両社の間で合意が成立した。
An agreement was reached between the two companies.
友達の間でよく使われる表現です。
It's an expression often used between friends.
Similar to の間で, but can emphasize the existence of a relationship or difference.
彼らの間には深い絆がある。
There is a deep bond between them.
Modifies a noun to describe the relationship or thing existing between A and B.
日本とアメリカの間の貿易摩擦
trade friction between Japan and the U.S.
Indicating a selection or distinction involving two or more options.
Literally 'choose/hesitate between A and B'. 間 (あいだ) is used metaphorically.
どの大学に行くか、二つの選択肢の間で迷っている。
I'm torn between two options for which university to attend.
コーヒーと紅茶の間で選んでください。
Please choose between coffee and tea.
A more colloquial way to say 'torn between A and B', without explicitly using 間.
パスタかピザかで迷う。
I can't decide between pasta and pizza.
Expressing that something is done in the intervals of other activities, or shared among people.
合間 (あいま) means 'interval' or 'spare moments'. Used for doing something in between other tasks.
仕事の合間に運動する。
I exercise between work tasks.
家事の合間に読書を楽しむ。
I enjoy reading between household chores.
Lists alternating actions, implying 'between doing A and B'. Not a direct translation but conveys the idea of switching.
週末は映画を見たり、買い物をしたりする。
On weekends, I go between watching movies and shopping.
Indicating that something is kept secret or shared only among a specific group.
Literally 'a story just for here', meaning 'between you and me' or 'off the record'.
ここだけの話ですが、彼は辞めるらしいです。
Between you and me, I hear he's quitting.
Means 'secret talk', often used for 'between us'.
これは内緒の話だけど、サプライズパーティーを計画しているんだ。
This is just between us, but we're planning a surprise party.
間 (あいだ) focuses on the interval between two points or entities, while 中 (ちゅう/じゅう) means 'during' or 'throughout' a period or space. For 'between', 間 is usually correct, but for 'during' a continuous period, 中 is used.
会議の間、彼は黙っていた。
He remained silent during the meeting (focus on the interval).
会議中、彼は黙っていた。
He remained silent throughout the meeting (focus on the entire duration).
In English, 'between' is used in many idiomatic ways that don't map to 間. For example, 'between you and me' is not あなたと私の間 but ここだけの話. Always consider the intended meaning before translating.
板挟みになっている。
I'm caught between a rock and a hard place.
Idiomatic expression meaning to be stuck between two difficult situations.