BackGrammar JLPT Level N3 - Lesson 8
Structure of 最中(さいちゅう)に:
Verb［ている］+ 最中に + Phrase
Noun + の + 最中に + Phrase
Verb［ている］(1) + 最中 + だ
(1) Noun+の
Details about 最中(さいちゅう)に:
While 中に highlights that something is in the process of happening (when used in relation to events/actions), 最中に strengthens that meaning further, to show that something is 'right in the middle of happening'. As the kanji 最 means 'utmost', we can see that the literal meaning is 'utmost middle'. This can be translated in a similar way to phrases like 'at the height of (A)', or 'in the midst of (A)', in English.
When using 最中に, a (B) part of the sentence will usually highlight something else that happened during (A), somehow interrupting or disturbing it.
To use 最中に, attach it to the end of the ている form of a verb, or a noun followed by の.
When using 最中に, a (B) part of the sentence will usually highlight something else that happened during (A), somehow interrupting or disturbing it.
To use 最中に, attach it to the end of the ている form of a verb, or a noun followed by の.
- お祖母ちゃんの歯がお餅を食べている最中にポロっと取れた。Grandma's tooth fell out right in the middle of eating mochi.
- 仕事の最中に怪我をしたら、黙っていないですぐに責任者に電話をしてください。If you get hurt in the middle of work, please don't keep it to yourself and notify your supervisor.
- 今、犯人を追いかけている最中だ。Right now, I'm in the midst of chasing a criminal.
最中(さいちゅう)に
Usage Notes for 最中(さいちゅう)に:
最中 may also occasionally be used with adjectives, but this is uncommon. In these cases, the meaning is to be at the 'pinnacle' of whatever the adjective is describing (usually a feeling/emotion).
- 冗談でも悲しい最中に悪口を言われると、もっと悲しくなる。Even if it is a joke, when someone says something mean when I am really sad, I get even more sad.
- 一生懸命な最中に話し掛けられると、一気に集中力がなくなる。When someone talks to me when I am highly concentrated, I suddenly lose my concentration.
Synonyms for 最中(さいちゅう)に:
～ところに・～ところへ
At the time, When, While, Timing
途中に・途中で
On the way, Partway, In the middle of
とき
When, At the time of
ているところだ
In the process of doing ~ right now/at this moment
中
During, While, Throughout, In the process of
の間に
While, During, Between, Period
うちに
While, During
Example of 最中(さいちゅう)に
映画を見ている最中に彼は電話をした。
He made a phone call in the middle of watching the movie.
家族と食事の最中に、携帯を触らないで。
Don't use your cellphone while in the middle of dinner with your family.
朝の散歩の最中に、犬に噛まれた。
I was bitten by a dog while in the middle of my morning walk.
寝ている最中に声をかけるのはやめてほしい。
I want you to stop trying to talk to me while I am sleeping.
仕事の最中に旅行の話ばかりするのはやめてください。
Please stop talking about traveling while you are at work.
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