JLPT N4

～ているあいだに

While/During (something else happens)

Structure

Verb ている-form + あいだに; Noun + の + あいだに

How it works

This grammar expresses that a second event occurred or a change happened 'while' or 'during' the ongoing state or action of the first clause. It implies that the secondary event is often incidental or a contrast to the first.

Examples

私が寝ている間に、弟がケーキを食べました。

While I was sleeping, my younger brother ate the cake.

Common mistakes

Using it when the second action is continuous throughout the first period, where just '～ている間' would be more appropriate.

Tip

Remember it's about something happening *within* a period, distinguishing it from 'あいだ' which implies something happening *for the entire* duration.

More JLPT N4 grammar

ようにするようになるそうだ (appearance)そうだ (hearsay)ようだらしいかもしれないてしまう

See ～ているあいだに in real Japanese

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