〜間（に）
while / during
Show when one action happens in relation to another.
Remember it
Place two moments on a timeline and join them with 〜間（に）.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜間（に）」 means "while / during". Structure: Noun の + 間に. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it for routines, status updates, sequences, and telling stories.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1利用の間に電話が三回ありました。
りよう の あいだ に でんわ が さんかい ありました。
riyou no aida ni denwa ga sankai arimashita.
During the use, there were three phone calls.
Everyday life
Example 2指導の間に電話が三回ありました。
しどう の あいだ に でんわ が さんかい ありました。
shidou no aida ni denwa ga sankai arimashita.
During the guidance, there were three phone calls.
Everyday life
Example 3記録の間に電話が三回ありました。
きろく の あいだ に でんわ が さんかい ありました。
kiroku no aida ni denwa ga sankai arimashita.
During the record, there were three phone calls.
Everyday life
Example 4配送の間に電話が三回ありました。
はいそう の あいだ に でんわ が さんかい ありました。
haisou no aida ni denwa ga sankai arimashita.
During the shipping, there were three phone calls.
Everyday life
Example 5通訳の間に電話が三回ありました。
つうやく の あいだ に でんわ が さんかい ありました。
tsuuyaku no aida ni denwa ga sankai arimashita.
During the interpretation, there were three phone calls.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
During the use, there were three phone calls.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜間（に）.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.