JLPT N2・N4 Vocabulary – Difference between “間” and “合間”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “間” and “合間“
2. 間
3. 合間
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: Is there a difference between “間” and “合間“?
A: These two words have similar meanings, but there are subtle differences. Understanding their respective usages will help you use them correctly.
間 (JLPT N4)
It expresses the range or perception of “time” between two things and can be broadly divided into two meanings:
① The time until the next event occurs
[Example]
飛行機の出発まで少し間があります。
There is still a little time until the plane departs.
⇒ This refers to the time remaining before an event (the plane’s departure) begins.
② A period of continuous time when something is happening
During this time, another action or state may also occur continuously.
In such cases, the following sentence often uses the “て form + いる” to indicate continuity.
[Example]
宿題をしている間、ずっと音楽を聴いていました。
While I was doing my homework, I was listening to music the entire time.
⇒ This refers to the continuous period of doing homework, during which another continuous action (listening) was taking place.
合間 (JLPT N2)
Unlike “間“, “合間” refers to brief, temporary periods of time within continuous work or activity during which other actions or events occur.
[Example]
仕事の合間に、少しタバコを吸いに行きました。
I went to smoke a cigarette during a short break from work.
⇒ This indicates taking a brief break from continuous work to smoke a cigarette.
[Example]
勉強の合間にテレビを見ました。
I watched TV during a short break from studying.
⇒ This describes taking a momentary break from continuous studying to watch TV.
Let’s Compare
Which option is appropriate in the following case?
[Example]
子供は食事の間、ずっとスマホを見ています。
VS
子供は食事の合間、ずっとスマホを見ています。
The correct answer is “間“.
The reason is that during a continuous period of time (the duration of the meal), another continuous action (constantly looking at the smartphone) is taking place.
Let’s try another question!
[Example]
休憩の間、ちょっとコンビニへ行きました。
VS
休憩の合間に、ちょっとコンビニへ行きました。
In this case, the correct answer is “合間“.
The use of the phrase “ちょっと” (a little) indicates a brief and temporary action, which fits the nuance of “合間.”
Summary
[間]
- Refers to a span or sense of time and broadly has the following two meanings:
- The time until the next event occurs.
- The period during which a continuous action or state is happening, often accompanied by another ongoing action or state.
[合間]
- Refers to short intervals within a continuous activity, indicating actions or events that occur during those brief moments.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 間
友達はわたしと話している間も、ずっとSNSを確認しています。
My friend keeps checking SNS even while talking to me.
*Since both actions are continuous, “間” is the correct choice.
A. 合間
会議の合間に、急いでメールを確認しました。
I quickly checked my emails during the break in the meeting.
*The phrase “quickly” indicates a short period of time, so “合間” is the correct choice.
A. 間
映画を見ている間、ポップコーンを食べるのが好きです。
I like eating popcorn while watching a movie.
*Since both actions are continuous, “間” is the correct choice.
A. 合間
勉強の合間に、少し友達と電話をしました。
I called a friend for a short time during a study break.
* The phrase “for a short time” indicates a brief action, so “合間” is the correct choice.
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