間【あいだ】

The word ま間 (あいだ) is used to express "while," "during," or "between." It indicates a span of time or space, and its meaning shifts depending on the context and structure.

While / During (time duration)

When used with verbs or nouns, ま間 marks a continuous period during which something else is also happening. The action in the main clause typically continues for the entire duration described by 間.

Structure:

• Verb[ている] + 間
• Noun + の + 間
• い-adjective + 間
• な-adjective + な + 間

間 vs. 間に

An important distinction exists between ま間 and ま間に. With 間 alone, the main clause action lasts for the whole duration. With 間に, the main clause action occurs at some point within that duration.

Notice: with 間, the main clause verb tends to be a continuous action (～ていた), while with 間に, it tends to be a one-time or completed action.

Between (space or time)

ま間 can also mean **"between"** two things, places, or points in time. The structure is **A と B の間**.

Common expressions

• このまこの間 (このあいだ / このまえ): "the other day," "recently"
• ながいあいだ長い間 (ながいあいだ): "for a long time"
• しばらくのあいだしばらくの間: "for a while"