Translation guide
Expresses that something happens or is done during the time between two events or while waiting for something else. Japanese uses several adverbial phrases and conjunctions depending on whether the focus is on the interval itself, on doing something while waiting, or on a temporary state.
In the meantime, please wait here.
Polite request for a waiting period.
In the meantime, let's have coffee.
Casual suggestion while waiting.
The speaker wants to say that something happens in the time between a past or future event and another event.
Literally 'in that interval'. Very common and neutral. Refers to a specific time span already mentioned or understood from context.
The meeting ends at 3. In the meantime, please prepare the documents.
More explicit: 'until that time'. Often used when giving instructions for the period leading up to a known future point.
Same as その間に but without the particle に. Slightly more casual or used when the time span is the topic. Often interchangeable.
The speaker wants to suggest doing something to fill the time until an expected event occurs.
Means 'until then'. Very common in conversation. Implies 'while we wait, let's do something'.
The speaker wants to describe two things happening at the same time, often with a sense of contrast.
Means 'on the other hand' or 'meanwhile'. Used to contrast two simultaneous situations. Common in both speech and writing.
The speaker wants to indicate that a current state or action is temporary until something changes.
その間に focuses on an action that takes place during a defined interval. それまで focuses on the time leading up to a point, often implying 'until then, let's do something'. Use それまで when suggesting an activity to fill waiting time.
There are 30 minutes until the train comes. In the meantime, let's read a book.
He was taking a shower. In the meantime, I was watching TV.
We still have an hour until the movie starts. In the meantime, want to go to a cafe?
Also works here, but それまで is more natural when suggesting an activity to fill the waiting time.
It looks like it'll take about 30 minutes until our turn. In the meantime, let's play a game or something.
He was playing games. In the meantime, I was studying.
Adds 'その' for emphasis, like 'meanwhile, on the other hand'. Slightly more formal.
The economy is growing. In the meantime, the gap between rich and poor is widening.
In the meantime, this store will be closed.
Casual adverb meaning 'for now', 'in the meantime'. Used when doing something as a stopgap. Very common in daily conversation.
In the meantime, I'll have a beer.
Similar to とりあえず but slightly more formal. Means 'for the immediate future'.
In the meantime, I'll continue living in my current apartment.
The train comes in 30 minutes. In the meantime, I read a book.
The train comes in 30 minutes. In the meantime, let's read a book.
The word 間に (あいだに) means 'while' or 'during', but it cannot be used alone to mean 'in the meantime'. You need a demonstrative like その or この before it.
In the meantime, please prepare. (incorrect)
In the meantime, please prepare. (correct)
The doctor will be with you shortly. In the meantime, please fill out this form.
Formal situation, using それまでの間.
I'm waiting for the repairman. In the meantime, I'll clean the house.
Neutral, using その間に.