中
also: ぢゅう
Meanings
throughout; all ... long
Attaches to time nouns to mean 'throughout the entire period'. Common with 一日中, 一晩中, 年中.
He was studying all night long.
This shop is open all year round.
within; by the end of
Used with time nouns followed by に to mean 'within that period' or 'by the end of it'. Common with 今日中に, 今週中に.
Please finish this work within today.
I have to submit the report by the end of this week.
all over; throughout (a place)
Attaches to place nouns to mean 'all over' or 'throughout that area'. Common with 世界中, 町中.
The news spread all over the world.
The whole town was in a festive mood.
Attaches to group nouns to mean 'all members of that group'. Common with 家族中, 学校中.
The whole family went on a trip.
The whole school was buzzing about that topic.
Usage patterns
- 〈時〉中throughout the whole (time period)
He stayed home all day long.
- 〈時〉中にby the end of (time period); within (time period)
Please give me your reply by the end of this week.
- 〈場所〉中all over (a place)
The news spread all over the world.
- 〈人〉中all of (a group of people)
The whole family was delighted by the news.
Expressions
- 今年中にby the end of this year; within this year