ているあいだに (While)

While, During the time that ~

JLPT N4
Pattern

Verb (て-form) + いる + 間に

How it works

ているあいだに means “while ~ (something else happens)”: a second event happens at some point during the first. あいだ without に means the second action lasts the whole time.

Examples

  • ねて いる あいだに、雨が ふりました。It rained while I was asleep.
  • 母が 買いものを して いる あいだに、へやを そうじした。While Mum was shopping, I cleaned the room.

Related grammar

Further reading

Bunpro N4 · Lesson 6

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