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.
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.
会議は3時に終わります。その間に資料を準備してください。
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.
電車が来るまで30分あります。それまでの間、本を読みましょう。
There are 30 minutes until the train comes. In the meantime, let's read a book.
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.
彼はシャワーを浴びていた。その間、私はテレビを見ていた。
He was taking a shower. In the meantime, I was watching TV.
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'.
映画が始まるまであと1時間あるね。それまで、カフェに行かない？
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.
順番が来るまで30分くらいかかりそう。その間、ゲームでもしよう。
It looks like it'll take about 30 minutes until our turn. In the meantime, let's play a game or 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.
彼はゲームをしていた。一方で、私は勉強していた。
He was playing games. In the meantime, I was studying.
Adds 'その' for emphasis, like 'meanwhile, on the other hand'. Slightly more formal.
経済は成長している。その一方で、貧富の差は広がっている。
The economy is growing. In the meantime, the gap between rich and poor is widening.
The speaker wants to indicate that a current state or action is temporary until something changes.
Means 'for the time being' or 'for the present'. Often used in formal announcements or business contexts.
当面の間、この店は休業いたします。
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.
とりあえず、ビールをください。
In the meantime, I'll have a beer.
Similar to とりあえず but slightly more formal. Means 'for the immediate future'.
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.
電車が来るまで30分ある。その間に本を読んだ。
The train comes in 30 minutes. In the meantime, I read a book.
電車が来るまで30分ある。それまで、本を読もう。
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.
✕ 間に、準備してください。
In the meantime, please prepare. (incorrect)
○ その間に、準備してください。
In the meantime, please prepare. (correct)
医師はまもなく参ります。それまでの間、この用紙にご記入ください。
The doctor will be with you shortly. In the meantime, please fill out this form.
Formal situation, using それまでの間.
修理の人を待っています。その間に家を掃除します。
I'm waiting for the repairman. In the meantime, I'll clean the house.
Neutral, using その間に.
In the meantime, I'll continue living in my current apartment.