Translation guide
The English word 'between' is used to express a relationship involving two or more entities, whether in space, time, quantity, or abstract relationships. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the appropriate expression depends on the specific meaning and context.
Expressing physical location or movement in the space that separates two or more objects, people, or places.
The most common and versatile pattern for 'between A and B' in a spatial sense. 間 (あいだ) means 'space between'.
There is a convenience store between the station and the school.
He was standing between the cars.
Used when an action takes place within the space between A and B, often implying movement or activity.
The children are playing between the trees.
Similar to の間 but emphasizes the location or direction into the space. Often interchangeable with の間.
The cat hid between the sofa and the wall.
Referring to a time interval after one event and before another.
Standard pattern for 'between A and B' in time. まで means 'until', and 間 (あいだ) specifies the interval.
The meeting will be held between 1 and 3 o'clock.
I finished shopping during the lunch break (between morning and afternoon).
Can also be used for time, but から...まで is clearer for intervals.
Between morning and night, I'm working.
Indicating a value that falls within a range of numbers, amounts, or degrees.
Used for ranges of numbers, prices, temperatures, etc. Often followed by で or の.
The temperature will be between 20 and 25 degrees.
The cost is expected to be between 100,000 and 150,000 yen.
Also possible for ranges, but から...まで or から...の間 is more precise.
The price of this car is between 2 and 3 million yen.
Describing a connection, communication, or comparison involving two or more people, groups, or things.
Used for interactions, agreements, or relationships between parties. 間 (あいだ) here implies 'between' in a relational sense.
An agreement was reached between the two companies.
It's an expression often used between friends.
Similar to の間で, but can emphasize the existence of a relationship or difference.
There is a deep bond between them.
Modifies a noun to describe the relationship or thing existing between A and B.
trade friction between Japan and the U.S.
Indicating a selection or distinction involving two or more options.
Literally 'choose/hesitate between A and B'. 間 (あいだ) is used metaphorically.
I'm torn between two options for which university to attend.
Please choose between coffee and tea.
A more colloquial way to say 'torn between A and B', without explicitly using 間.
I can't decide between pasta and pizza.
Expressing that something is done in the intervals of other activities, or shared among people.
合間 (あいま) means 'interval' or 'spare moments'. Used for doing something in between other tasks.
I exercise between work tasks.
I enjoy reading between household chores.
Lists alternating actions, implying 'between doing A and B'. Not a direct translation but conveys the idea of switching.
On weekends, I go between watching movies and shopping.
Indicating that something is kept secret or shared only among a specific group.
間 (あいだ) focuses on the interval between two points or entities, while 中 (ちゅう/じゅう) means 'during' or 'throughout' a period or space. For 'between', 間 is usually correct, but for 'during' a continuous period, 中 is used.
He remained silent during the meeting (focus on the interval).
He remained silent throughout the meeting (focus on the entire duration).
In English, 'between' is used in many idiomatic ways that don't map to 間. For example, 'between you and me' is not あなたと私の間 but ここだけの話. Always consider the intended meaning before translating.
I'm caught between a rock and a hard place.
Idiomatic expression meaning to be stuck between two difficult situations.
This is just between us, but we're planning a surprise party.