Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'meanwhile' in Japanese, covering simultaneous actions, contrasting situations, and narrative transitions.
To describe two things happening at the same time, often with different subjects.
Used when B occurs during the entire time that A is happening. A is a state or continuous action.
私が料理をしている間、彼はテレビを見ていた。
Meanwhile, while I was cooking, he was watching TV.
Used when B occurs at some point during the time A is happening. A is a state or continuous action.
To highlight a difference between two things happening at the same time or in parallel.
Used to contrast two situations, often with a sense of 'on the other hand'. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
都会は便利だ。一方で、田舎は静かだ。
Cities are convenient. Meanwhile, the countryside is quiet.
To shift the scene or focus to another character or event happening at the same time in a narrative.
Use 間 (aida) when the second action lasts for the entire duration of the first. Use 間に (aida ni) when the second action occurs at some point during the first.
寝ている間、ずっと雨が降っていた。
While I was sleeping, it rained the whole time.
寝ている間に、誰かが来た。
While I was sleeping, someone came.
一方 (ippou) can sound stiff or literary in casual conversation. For everyday simultaneous actions, use 間 or 間に patterns instead.
Meanwhile, while I was shopping, he had a coffee.
Often used in formal or written contexts to contrast two simultaneous situations. Can be used at the start of a sentence.
兄は医者になった。一方、弟は教師になった。
My older brother became a doctor. Meanwhile, my younger brother became a teacher.
Literally 'during that time', used to refer back to a previously mentioned period.
彼は昼寝をした。その間、私は本を読んだ。
He took a nap. Meanwhile, I read a book.
Similar to その間 but emphasizes a point within that time frame.
彼が席を外した。その間に、電話がかかってきた。
He left his seat. Meanwhile, a phone call came in.
Formal, often used in writing to mean 'on the other hand' or 'meanwhile'.
経済は成長した。他方、環境問題は悪化した。
The economy grew. Meanwhile, environmental problems worsened.
Means 'in contrast to this', used to introduce a contrasting point. Formal.
日本では米が主食だ。これに対して、アメリカではパンが主食だ。
In Japan, rice is the staple food. Meanwhile, in America, bread is the staple.
Common in written narratives to switch to a parallel storyline.
主人公は旅に出た。一方、敵は城で待ち構えていた。
The hero set out on a journey. Meanwhile, the enemy lay in wait at the castle.
Means 'at that time' or 'around that time', used to describe what was happening elsewhere simultaneously.
彼女は東京で働いていた。その頃、彼は大阪で学生だった。
She was working in Tokyo. Meanwhile, he was a student in Osaka.
Literally 'around the same time', used to link simultaneous events in a story.
彼が旅立った。同じ頃、村では祭りが始まった。
He set off on his journey. Meanwhile, a festival began in the village.