noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
busy (phone); line engaged
Used for a phone line that is currently in use; equivalent to 'the line is busy' or 'engaged'.
電話が話し中でつながらない。
The phone is busy and I can't get through.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
in talks; discussion underway
Indicates that a meeting or discussion is currently in progress; often used in business or formal contexts.
担当者は今話し中ですので、少々お待ちください。
The person in charge is currently in a meeting, so please wait a moment.
More technical term for 'line busy' or 'call in progress', often seen on phone displays.
Specifically means 'in a meeting', while 話し中 can refer to any kind of discussion or phone call.
Compound of 話し (はなし, 'talk') + 中 (ちゅう, 'in the middle of'). The spelling 話中 is a common abbreviation.