Translation guide
The English word 'during' indicates that something happens within a period of time or throughout the course of an event. Japanese uses several particles and patterns depending on whether the focus is on a time span, an ongoing event, or a specific point within a period.
Expressing that an action or state continues over the entire duration of a time period (e.g., during the summer, during the meeting).
Used with nouns expressing a time period or event. Indicates that something happens throughout that entire period. Often followed by に for a specific event, or ずっと for continuous state.
夏の間、毎日泳いだ。
I swam every day during the summer.
He remained silent during the entire meeting.
Attached to time nouns (day, week, year, etc.) or place nouns to mean 'throughout the entire N'. Emphasizes the whole duration or area.
一日中雨が降っていた。
It rained all day (during the whole day).
世界中でコロナが流行した。
COVID spread throughout the world (during that period).
Combines 間 and 中 for emphasis on 'throughout the entire duration'. More emphatic than の間 alone.
旅行の間中、天気が良かった。
The weather was good during the entire trip.
Expressing that something happens at an unspecified time within a larger time frame (e.g., during the night, during the war).
Used when an action occurs at some point within a period. The event does not necessarily last the whole period. Often used with punctual verbs.
夜の間に雪が積もった。
Snow accumulated during the night.
休みの間に本を三冊読んだ。
I read three books during the vacation.
Similar to の間に but with a nuance of 'at some point within the entire N'. Often used with time words like 今日 (today), 今年 (this year).
今日中にこの仕事を終わらせなければならない。
I have to finish this work during today (by the end of today).
Means 'while it is still N' or 'before N ends'. Implies a limited time window. Often used with words like 朝 (morning), 若い (young).
朝のうちに宿題を済ませた。
I finished my homework during the morning (while it was still morning).
Expressing that something happens while another action or event is in progress (e.g., during the movie, during dinner).
Used with verbs in ている form to indicate 'while doing V'. The main clause describes an action that occurs during that time. If the main clause is a state, 間 is used without に; if it's an action, 間に is used.
映画を見ている間、携帯はマナーモードにしてください。
Please put your phone on silent mode during the movie (while watching the movie).
子供が寝ている間に、家事をした。
I did housework during the time the child was sleeping.
Emphasizes that something happens right in the middle of an event or action. Often used for interruptions or coincidences.
食事の最中に電話がかかってきた。
I got a phone call during dinner (right in the middle of eating).
Used with dictionary form of verb to mean 'while doing V' when the subject of both clauses is the same and the action is habitual or future. Less common than ている間.
日本にいる間に富士山に登りたい。
I want to climb Mt. Fuji during my stay in Japan (while I am in Japan).
Referring to a particular event like a war, a reign, a festival, etc.
A general way to say 'at the time of N'. Can be used for events, but also for personal occasions. Neutral and widely applicable.
戦争の時、彼はまだ子供だった。
During the war, he was still a child.
Attached to Sino-Japanese event nouns (e.g., 工事中, 会議中) to mean 'during N'. Often seen on signs or in formal contexts.
工事中は通行できません。
You cannot pass through during construction.
授業中はおしゃべりしないでください。
Please don't chat during class.
Use 間 (without に) when the main clause describes a state or continuous action that lasts the entire duration. Use 間に when the main clause is a punctual action that occurs at some point within the duration.
留守の間、犬がずっと吠えていた。
The dog kept barking during my absence (the whole time).
留守の間に、友達が来た。
A friend came during my absence (at some point).
中 read as ちゅう is mainly used with Sino-Japanese nouns (e.g., 工事, 会議, 授業). For native Japanese nouns or time words like 夏, 冬, use の間 or 中 (じゅう) instead. Saying 夏中 (なつちゅう) is not standard; use 夏の間 or 夏中 (なつじゅう, though less common).