間まが持もたない

expression

not knowing what to do with one's time; feeling awkward with spare time

Describes the uncomfortable feeling of having time on one's hands and not knowing how to fill it. Often used in social situations where silence or inactivity becomes awkward. This is an unorthodox form of 間が持てない.

See also: 間が持てない

• 待まち合あわせに早はやく着つきすぎて、間まが持もたなくて困こまった。

  I arrived too early for the meeting and didn't know what to do with the time, so I was at a loss.

• 会かい話わが途と切ぎれて、間まが持もたない雰ふん囲い気きになった。

  The conversation died, and an awkward silence filled the air.