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During the same time with 〜間(に)

Grammar: Time and Sequence » 〜間に

間(あいだ)(に) joins two clauses to state that the second (main) clause takes place at the same time as the first (subordinate) clause.

The clauses may have different subjects.

間(あいだ) may attach to a noun, adjective, or verb. The verb before 間(あいだ) is normally non-past 〜て＋いる or いる.

When two clauses are joined by 間(あいだ), they typically cover the same span of time. When に follows 間(あいだ), the main clause occurs within the same time as the subordinate clause.

English counterparts are “during (the time when)” and “while”.

Related Grammar

  • Concurrent events with ながら
  • During with うちに
    • Used when refering to a period of time, especially when taking advantage of an opportunity.
  • While with うちは
    • Used when contrasting with another period of time.

Examples

Keeping still while her ribbon dries with 〜間

Manga panel from ふだつきのキョーコちゃん showing example of During the same time with 〜間(に).
ふだつきのキョーコちゃん » Volume 5 » Page 80

Kyouko’s ribbon needs to be washed. Since she is a jiāngshī (vampire), she will uncontrollably attack people to drink their blood when her ribbon is removed. For this reason, her brother tries to tie her up with a rope. Kyouko hides in the bathroom, then sneaks out the window only to find Kenji waiting outside.

ケンジ:
「干(ほ)してる間(あいだ)じっとしてればすぐ済(す)むだろ。」
“While it's drying, if you'd just keep still it'd be over soon.”
ケンジ:
「なんで毎回(まいかい)そんなにイヤがる！！」
“Why do you seem to hate it so much every time?!”

Leaving the room while Yukiko was out with 〜間

Manga panel from 名探偵コナン showing example of During the same time with 〜間(に).
名探偵コナン » Volume 14 » Page 93

A murder victim was last heard from via phone call at 9PM. Her body was found outside later that night. Yukiko was in the main room with everyone except when she was bathing.

有希子(ゆきこ):
「私(わたし)が入(はい)ってる間(あいだ)、誰(だれ)か部屋(へや)から出(で)た人(ひと)はいた？」
“While I was in the bath, was there anyone who left the room?”
広美(ひろみ):
「いいえ誰(だれ)も…」
“No, no one...”

Placing the chocolate while his back is turned with 〜間に

Manga panel from それでも歩は寄せてくる showing example of During the same time with 〜間(に).
それでも歩は寄せてくる » Volume 4 » Page 91

Urushi prepared chocolate to give Ayumu for Valentine’s Day but is too nervous to give it to him. After the two play shogi during their club, Ayumu turns away from Urushi as he puts the shogi table away.

うるし:
「今(いま)。歩(あゆむ)が　後(うし)ろ向(む)いてる間(あいだ)にかばんに入(い)れればいいじゃん！！」
“Now! While Ayumu's back is turned, I can put it into his satchel!”