What it means
最中に means that another event happens while an activity or situation is in progress, often at an especially significant or inconvenient moment. It emphasizes the exact period when something is underway. It commonly follows a noun with の or a verb in the ている form.
Usage note
With a noun, use の before 最中に. With a verb, use the ている form before 最中に; a simple dictionary-form verb is not normally used directly before this pattern.
How to use it
Nounの最中に
会議の最中に、警報が鳴りました。
An alarm sounded in the middle of the meeting.
Verb (て-form)いる最中に
料理をしている最中に、宅配便が来ました。
While I was cooking, a delivery arrived.
Nounの最中に
会議の最中に、警報が鳴った。
An alarm sounded in the middle of the meeting.
Verb (て-form)いる最中に
料理をしている最中に、宅配便が来た。
While I was cooking, a delivery arrived.