間
Meanings
period of time; duration; while
A stretch of time during which something happens. Can be used as a noun or adverbially with ~の間に or ~間.
I went on an overseas trip during summer vacation.
I stayed quiet while he was talking.
Indicates a relationship, comparison, or location involving two or more parties or things. ~の間で is common for 'among'.
A peace treaty was concluded between the two countries.
This song is popular among young people.
Refers to the interpersonal or diplomatic relationship between people or groups. Often used in phrases like ~の間が悪い or ~の間を取り持つ.
Those two haven't been getting along well lately.
It's difficult to mediate between a boss and a subordinate.
Only with reading あいだ
Archaic conjunction meaning 'because' or 'due to'. Restricted to the reading あいだ. Not used in modern Japanese; found in classical texts.
In classical Japanese, '~する間' can express a reason or cause.
Usage patterns
- 〈時〉の間に〈動詞〉to do something during a certain period
I did the laundry while my child was sleeping.
- 〈人〉と〈人〉の間で〈事〉something happens between/among people
A misunderstanding arose between me and my friend.
- 間を置くto leave a gap or pause
He paused for a moment before starting to speak.
- 〈人〉との間が悪いto be on bad terms with someone
My relationship with him is strained, so I can't really talk to him.
- 間を取るto find a middle ground; to compromise
We decided by taking a middle ground between the two opinions.