【JLPT N4 Grammar】〜あいだに(~aidani)

Explanation:AあいだにB

Meaning
"B takes place, while A."

Used to indicate that an action or event happens at some point within a specific time frame while another continuous action or state is ongoing. It can be translated as "during," "while," or "in the meantime," depending on the context, and it emphasizes that the action occurs within the period but not continuously throughout it.

Form
V(dictionary form / ている / nai form) + あいだに
Nの + あいだに

Points

  1. Point of Action: "〜あいだに" signals a one-time action or event occurring within the duration of an ongoing state or activity.
  2. Within a Timeframe: It highlights that the action is limited to a point within a certain period.
  3. Focus on Timing: Unlike "〜あいだ," which indicates continuous action, "〜あいだに" focuses on an action that takes place at a specific time during the period.

JLPT Level
N4



Sample sentenes

ゆうべ、ているあいだ 地震じしんが ありました。
There was an earthquake while I was sleeping.

風呂ふろに はいっているあいだ 友達ともだちから 電話でんわがありました。
I received a phone call from my friend while I was taking bath.

電車でんしゃに っているあいだ メールが ました。
I received an email while I was riding the train.

春休はるやすみのあいだしました。
I moved to a new house during the spring vacation.

独身どくしんあいだ、 色々いろいろな くにを 旅行りょこうしたい。
I want to travel to various countries while I am single.

大学生だいがくせいあいだ たくさん あそびたい。
I want to have fun a lot while I am a college student.

Vocabulary

Japanese English
ゆうべ last night
じしん earthquake
ひっこします to move (to another place to live)
どくしん single
いろいろな various

Differences with "〜あいだ"

While "〜あいだ" describes continuous action or state throughout the entire period, "〜あいだに" focuses on something occurring at a particular point within the period.

Example

こどもが ひるねしているあいだ、わたしほんんでいました。
While my child was napping, I was reading a book.
– Indicates continuous reading during the nap.

こどもが ひるねしているあいだに、電話でんわがなりました。
While my child was napping, the phone rang.
 – Indicates that the phone rang once during the nap.

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