〜間に
Formation
N4TimeNeutral
Meaning
During the period of 〜, a specific action or event take place. It implies the action is not continuous throughout the whole period.
Note
Read as 'あいだに' in most contexts. Read as 'まに' in specific idiomatic phrases like 'みるまに' (in the blink of an eye) or 'いうまに' (in no time).
Examples
家族が寝ている間に、こっそり家を出た。
While my family was sleeping, I quietly left the house.
雨が降っていない間に、買い物を済ませよう。
Let's finish the shopping while it's not raining.
日本に滞在している間に、京都へ行きたい。
I want to go to Kyoto while I am staying in Japan.
夏休みの間に、車の免許を取りたい。
I want to get a driver's license during summer vacation.
留守の間に、大きな荷物が届いた。
A large package arrived while I was away.
休み時間の間に、次の授業の準備をした。
I prepared for the next class during the break.