in the middle of, while

Beginner

15-20 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates being right in the midst of an action.

[Verb ている form/Noun + の] + 最中に

会議の最中に、携帯が鳴った。

Kaigi no saichuu ni, keitai ga natta.

In the middle of the meeting, my phone rang.

食事をしている最中に、客が来た。

Shokuji wo shite iru saichuu ni, kyaku ga kita.

While I was eating, a guest came.

More emphatic than ている時.

～ところだ

about to, just now, in the middle of

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Emphasizes the critical timing.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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