noun
space; gap; interval; distance
Physical or abstract space between two points, objects, or events. Often used with ～の間.
駅と家の間には公園がある。
There is a park between the station and my house.
There is a gap between the train and the platform.
noun, adverb
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.
夏休みの間に海外旅行に行った。
I went on an overseas trip during summer vacation.
彼が話している間、静かにしていた。
I stayed quiet while he was talking.
noun
Indicates a relationship, comparison, or location involving two or more parties or things. ～の間で is common for 'among'.
両国の間で平和条約が結ばれた。
A peace treaty was concluded between the two countries.
若者の間でこの曲が人気だ。
This song is popular among young people.
noun
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.
あの二人は最近間がうまくいっていない。
Those two haven't been getting along well lately.
上司と部下の間を取り持つのは難しい。
It's difficult to mediate between a boss and a subordinate.
noun
midpoint; average; middle ground
A point or state that is halfway between extremes. Often used in expressions like 間を取る (to compromise) or 間の値段 (a middle price).
値段の交渉で間を取って五千円にした。
In the price negotiation, we compromised at 5,000 yen.
彼の意見は両者の間を取ったようなものだ。
His opinion seems to be a middle ground between the two sides.
conjunction
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.
古典では「～する間」が原因を表すことがある。
In classical Japanese, '～する間' can express a reason or cause.