while ~, during ~

Beginner

10-15 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses that something happens during an ongoing action.

[Verb ている] + 間に

寝ている間に、雨が降りました。

Nete iru aida ni, ame ga furimashita.

While I was sleeping, it rained.

待っている間に、本を読みます。

Matte iru aida ni, hon wo yomimasu.

While waiting, I'll read a book.

間に emphasizes a change/event during the action.

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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