〜あいだ — The whole time something lasts | JLPT N4 grammar

Meaning

Shows a period during which another action continues in parallel.

Formation

あいだ follows Vている, Aい, Aな or Nの — 料理しているあいだ, 夏休みのあいだ
The second action fills the whole span

When to use it

Core use: The whole time something lasts

Examples

20 sentences

父ちちが料理りょうりしているあいだ私わたしはテーブルをふきます
While my father is cooking, I wipe the table.
夏休みなつやすみのあいだ毎日まいにちプールに行きいきました
During summer vacation I went to the pool every day.
先生せんせいが説明せつめいしているあいだメモを取りとりました
While the teacher was explaining, I took notes.
電車でんしゃを待っまっているあいだ単語たんごを覚えおぼえます
While I wait for the train, I memorize words.
母ははが留守るすのあいだ猫ねこの世話せわをします
While my mother is away, I take care of the cat.
雪ゆきが降っふっているあいだ庭にわがだんだん白くしろくなっていきました
While it was snowing, the yard gradually turned white.
映画えいがを見みているあいだ話さはなさないでください
Please do not talk while the film is playing.
雨あめが降っふっているあいだ家いえで仕事しごとをしました
I worked at home while it was raining.

12 more examples

子どもこどもが寝ねているあいだ母ははは本ほんを読みよみました
The mother read a book while the child was sleeping.
長いながい会議かいぎのあいだずっと座っすわっていました
I remained seated throughout the long meeting.
母ははが料理りょうりしている間あいだ私わたしはずっと子どもこどもと遊んあそんでいました
While my mother was cooking, I played with the child the whole time.
夏休みなつやすみの間あいだ毎朝まいあさ公園こうえんを走りはしりました
Throughout the summer holidays I ran in the park every morning.
電車でんしゃに乗っのっている間あいだ音楽おんがくを聞いきいていました
While I was on the train, I listened to music.
雨あめが降っふっている間あいだ店みせの中なかで待ちまちました
I waited inside the shop while it was raining.
父ちちが出かけでかけている間あいだ私わたしが店みせを守りまもります
I look after the shop while my father is out.
授業じゅぎょうの間あいだ携帯電話けいたいでんわは使えつかえません
You cannot use a mobile phone during class.
赤ちゃんあかちゃんが寝ねている間あいだ静かしずかにしていました
I stayed quiet while the baby was sleeping.
若いわかい間あいだはいろいろな国くにに住んすんでいました
While I was young, I lived in various countries.
留学りゅうがくの間あいだ日記にっきを書いかいていました
I kept a diary during my studies abroad.
私わたしが話してはなしている間あいだメモを取ってとってください
Please take notes while I am speaking.

Important notes

間 presents a state or activity across the period in the first clause.

Common mistakes

For a bounded event occurring at some point within the period, compare 間に.

Check yourself

Pick the translation of each sentence. The wrong options translate similar patterns, so watch the grammar rather than the words.

Sentence 1: 子どもこどもが寝ねているあいだ母ははは本ほんを読みよみました The child came home singing a song.After reading this book, I will write my thoughts.The mother read a book while the child was sleeping.
Sentence 2: 父ちちが出かけでかけている間あいだ私わたしが店みせを守りまもります I will write my name at reception after I carry the small luggage.My father reads the newspaper while drinking coffee.I look after the shop while my father is out.
Sentence 3: 私わたしが話してはなしている間あいだメモを取ってとってください Please take notes while I am speaking.After doing my homework, I watch TV.I listen to the teacher's explanation while taking notes.

Similar grammar

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