Meaning
〜間 (ma) describes a continuous state or action lasting throughout a period of time, using durative verbs. 〜間に (ma ni) indicates that a sudden or momentary action occurred during a continuous state, using punctual verbs. The key difference is whether the main verb describes an ongoing condition (間) or a completed event (間に).
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞辞書形 | 間／間に |
| 名詞 の | 間／間に |
Examples
-
お母さんが買い物に行っている間、子供はテレビを見ていました。
While mother was shopping, the child was watching TV the whole time. -
彼女を待っている間、ずっと本を読んでいました。
While I was waiting for my girlfriend, I kept reading a book. -
山田さんと話している間に、彼の奥さんはお茶を入れてくれました。
While I was talking with Yamada, his wife made tea for me. -
ゆうべ、寝ている間に、地震があった。
During the night while I was sleeping, an earthquake occurred.
Summary
- Use 〜間 when the action in the second clause is ongoing/continuous (durative verbs like 見ていた, 読んでいた)
- Use 〜間に when something suddenly happens/is completed during the time period (punctual verbs like 入れてくれた, あった)
- Formation: Dictionary form of verb + 間/間に, or Noun + の + 間/間に