Spaces and intervals with 間
間 means the “space between” things (whether physical space or time), the “relationship” between people, and also a “pause” or “interval”, as in something occurring without interruption.
Etymology
This kanji is a variant of 閒, an ideogrammic compound comprised of 門 (gate) and 月 (moon). The image is of the moon seen through the opening of a gate, emphasizing the visible gap or opening between the doors.
Spaces and Intervals
人間 (Human being)
人間 means a human being or humanity. It can also refer to someone’s character or personality.
It combines 人 (person) with 間 (between) to show human beings living among one another.
Alicia and Akari visit an island that’s modeled after part of Japan back on Earth. There, an elderly local woman tells the two of the fox spirits that visit the human world there. Akari is excited at the prospect of meeting one, but the old woman gives her a warning: on rare occasion, a fox will take a person back home with them.
- おばあさん:
- 「神さまの世界と人間の世界は違うやさかい」
- “The god world and the human world are different.”
- 「連れて行かれたらあかん」
- “Therefore, it is bad to follow along.”
- “The god world and the human world are different.”
昼間 (Daytime)
昼間 means daytime or the daylight hours.
It combines 昼 (daytime) with 間 (interval) to show the span of the day.
Since Hiyori is resting on a bed inside, Junpei takes a plate from the barbecue to her room. As he walks in, he finds Hiyori and Yuushin in what looks like a compromising position.
- 淳平:
- 「…お前ら昼間っから （カギかけるよなー）」
- “You guys, in the middle of the day… (At least lock the door!)”
- 結心:
- 「ち ちがう 誤解だ！！（そい寝だから！！）」
- “N—No! You've got it wrong!! (We were just lying down together!)”
- ひより:
- 「見られた… 見られた…っ」
- “We were seen… We were seen…!”
時間 (Time)
時間 means time, an amount of time, or the interval between two points.
It combines 時 (time) with 間 (interval) to show a measured span of time.
Nishika and Takagi’s class discusses what committees they plan to join.
- 生徒:
- 「次の時間委員会決めだよねー。」
- “Next up is deciding the committee schedule, right?”
- 生徒:
- 「私 何にしよー」
- “What should I pick?”
- 生徒:
- 「私 放送委員で好きな音楽流したいー。」
- “I want to play my favorite music as a member of the broadcasting committee.”
