Japanese with Manga

During the same time with 〜間(に)

Grammar: Time and Sequence » 〜間に

間(あいだ) says that two situations continue over the same span. Adding に makes the main event occur at some point within that span. The clauses may have different subjects.

Usage Notes

間(あいだ) is used when two situations cover the same span of time, and 間(あいだ)に when something happens at some point within that span. The に narrows the main event to a point or occurrence inside the larger period.

Related Grammar

  • Concurrent events with ながら
  • During with うちに
    • Used when referring 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

Learn the meaning and usage of the grammar 〜間に in Japanese, with examples from manga.
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

Learn the meaning and usage of the grammar 〜間に in Japanese, with examples from manga.
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

Learn the meaning and usage of the grammar 〜間に in Japanese, with examples from manga.
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!”