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    Dictionary
    1. Dictionary
    2. Grammar
    3. 〜最中に

    〜最中に

    〜最中に

    This means something happens right in the middle of another action. It often shows something surprising or an interruption.

    N3KMT5NeutralStandardCompound ParticleMixedIn The Middle Of An ActionGrammar

    Verb [て-form] + いる + 最中にPrimary
    Noun + の + 最中に

    This means something happens right in the middle of another action. It often shows something surprising or an interruption.

    食しょく事じの最さい中ちゅうに、来らい客きゃくがあった。

    We had a visitor right in the middle of our meal.

    NeutralPastAffirmativeClause InitialDeclarativeDaily LifeFood & Dining
    大だい事じな会かい議ぎの最さい中ちゅうに、突とつ然ぜん停てい電でんしてしまった。

    The power suddenly went out right in the middle of the important meeting.

    FormalPastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeWork & CareerBusiness & Finance
    試し験けんの最さい中ちゅうには、携けい帯たい電でん話わの電でん源げんを切きらなければなりません。

    You must turn off your mobile phone during the exam.

    FormalNon PastNegativeMid SentenceObligationEducationTechnology
    シャワーを浴あびている最さい中ちゅうに地じ震しんが来きて、本ほん当とうに焦あせったよ。

    An earthquake hit while I was in the middle of a shower, and I really panicked.

    CasualPastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeDaily LifeWeather & Geography
    彼かれはいつも考かんがえ事ごとをしている最さい中ちゅうに話はなしかけられるのを嫌きらう。

    He always dislikes being spoken to when he's in the middle of thinking.

    NeutralNon PastAffirmativeMid SentenceDeclarativeEmotions & Psychology

    Something happens right in the middle of another thing. It is often a surprise. It can feel like bad timing. It might be annoying or cause problems.

    Both mean "while" or "during." But "saichuu ni" is for something that happens right in the middle of another thing. It is often a surprise. "Aida ni" is for something that happens at any time during a longer period. It is usually planned.

    Don't use this when something happens very fast. For example, you can't say "in the middle of leaving the house" if you mean you just stepped out. This phrase is for things that take some time.

    Often confused with(2)

    〜うちに

    This means you should do something while a situation is still true. It is like saying 'while' or 'before' something changes.

    〜間に

    This means 'while' or 'during'. It shows something happens at one moment within a longer time.

    More formal alternatives(1)

    〜ているところに / 〜ているところへ

    This grammar shows that something happened suddenly. It happened while you were doing something else.

    て形

    This is a special form of words. You use it to connect actions or ideas. It can mean "and then," "because," or "by doing something."

    〜ている / 〜でいる

    This means an action is happening right now. It is like adding "-ing" to a verb in English.

    〜間に

    This means 'while' or 'during'. It shows something happens at one moment within a longer time.

    〜の

    This word shows that something belongs to someone. It also links two nouns. The first noun tells you more about the second noun.

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    Related concepts for this entry

    often_confused_with

    • 〜うちに
    • 〜間に

    more_formal_than

    • 〜ているところに / 〜ているところへ

    Variants

    • 〜最中だ

    prerequisite

    • て形
    • 〜ている / 〜でいる
    • 〜の
    • 〜矢先に(やさきに)
    • 〜間際に

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