Noun + 中

When to use

Attaches directly to a noun (e.g. 食事中 "during a meal") - "in the middle of/during".

Explanation

The 中 (ちゅう) grammar point is used to express that something is in the middle of, during, or in the process of happening. It is attached to a noun to convey this meaning (e.g., 勉強中, 仕事中, 会議中). It is also sometimes read as じゅう depending on the word (e.g., 授業中).

• 彼かれは仕事しごと中なかです。

  He is in the middle of work.

  Kare wa shigotochuu desu.

• 試験しけん中なか、携帯電話けいたいでんわを使つかってはいけません。

  During the exam, you must not use your mobile phone.

  Shiken chuu, keitai denwa wo tsukatte wa ikemasen.

• 映画えいがを観かんている最中さいちゅうに、彼かれは泣なき始はじめました。

  In the middle of watching the movie, he started to cry.

  Eiga o mite iru saichuu ni, kare wa naki hajimemashita.

• 彼女かのじょは今勉強べんきょう中なかです。

  She is currently studying.

  Kanojo wa ima benkyouchuu desu.

Stage Of An Action (About To / In The Middle Of / Just Did)

• ～ところ〜tokoroN2Express a specific point in time or state; 'when', 'just…
• Verb て いる ところVerb te iru tokoroN4Describes an action that is currently happening; 'in the…
• Verb た ところVerb ta tokoroN4Expresses the situation right after an action has taken…
• ～かけ〜kakeN3Expresses the meaning of being in the middle of doing…
• ～最中に～saichuu niN3In the middle of / while doing something.
• ～たて～tateN3Indicates an action that has just been completed…
• ～つつある〜tsutsu aruN2Expresses an ongoing process or gradual change.

Compare when to use each