What it means
間に means “while” or “during the time that.” It places an event within a particular period, often emphasizing that something happens or is completed before that period ends. It follows a noun with の, a verb in the dictionary form, or a verb in the ている form. The main clause can be made familiar or polite independently.
Usage note
間に focuses on an event occurring at some point within a period. To describe something that continues throughout the entire period, 間 is usually more natural than 間に.
How to use it
夏休みの間に、私は三冊の本を読み終えました。
During summer vacation, I finished reading three books.
母が料理する間に、私はテーブルを拭きました。
While my mother cooked, I wiped the table.
電車を待っている間に、私はメールを三通返しました。
While waiting for the train, I replied to three emails.
夏休みの間に、私は三冊の本を読み終えた。
During summer vacation, I finished reading three books.
母が料理する間に、私はテーブルを拭いた。
While my mother cooked, I wiped the table.
電車を待っている間に、私はメールを三通返した。
While waiting for the train, I replied to three emails.