Translation guide
A guide to expressing 'meanwhile' in Japanese, covering simultaneous actions, contrasting situations, and narrative transitions.
To describe two things happening at the same time, often with different subjects.
Used when B occurs during the entire time that A is happening. A is a state or continuous action.
Meanwhile, while I was cooking, he was watching TV.
Used when B occurs at some point during the time A is happening. A is a state or continuous action.
Meanwhile, while I was shopping, he had a coffee.
Often used in formal or written contexts to contrast two simultaneous situations. Can be used at the start of a sentence.
My older brother became a doctor. Meanwhile, my younger brother became a teacher.
Literally 'during that time', used to refer back to a previously mentioned period.
He took a nap. Meanwhile, I read a book.
Similar to その間 but emphasizes a point within that time frame.
He left his seat. Meanwhile, a phone call came in.
To highlight a difference between two things happening at the same time or in parallel.
Used to contrast two situations, often with a sense of 'on the other hand'. Common in both spoken and written Japanese.
Cities are convenient. Meanwhile, the countryside is quiet.
Formal, often used in writing to mean 'on the other hand' or 'meanwhile'.
Means 'in contrast to this', used to introduce a contrasting point. Formal.
To shift the scene or focus to another character or event happening at the same time in a narrative.
Common in written narratives to switch to a parallel storyline.
Means 'at that time' or 'around that time', used to describe what was happening elsewhere simultaneously.
Literally 'around the same time', used to link simultaneous events in a story.
Use 間 (aida) when the second action lasts for the entire duration of the first. Use 間に (aida ni) when the second action occurs at some point during the first.
While I was sleeping, it rained the whole time.
While I was sleeping, someone came.
一方 (ippou) can sound stiff or literary in casual conversation. For everyday simultaneous actions, use 間 or 間に patterns instead.
経済は成長した。他方、環境問題は悪化した。
The economy grew. Meanwhile, environmental problems worsened.
In Japan, rice is the staple food. Meanwhile, in America, bread is the staple.
The hero set out on a journey. Meanwhile, the enemy lay in wait at the castle.
彼女は東京で働いていた。その頃、彼は大阪で学生だった。
She was working in Tokyo. Meanwhile, he was a student in Osaka.
He set off on his journey. Meanwhile, a festival began in the village.