Verb ている間に JLPT N4 Neutral
te iru aida ni
Expresses 'while' or 'during the time' something is happening.
"While (an ongoing action continues)" - pairs with an ongoing verb.
Formation
Verb-て form + いる + 間に
Explanation
The ~ている間に grammar point is used to express that an action or event occurs during the time another action or event is happening. It is often translated to 'while' or 'during the time' in English. It is formed by combining the て-form of a verb with いる and adding 間に.
Example sentences
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While watching the movie, he fell asleep.
Eiga o mite iru aida ni, kare wa nete shimatta.
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While the children are playing, I'll cook.
Kodomo ga asonde iru aida ni, watashi wa ryouri o tsukurimasu.
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While the meeting was being held, it started raining.
Kaigi ga okonawarete iru aida ni, ame ga furihajimeta.
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While he is working, we'll go shopping.
Kare ga shigoto o shite iru aida ni, watashitachi wa kaimono ni iku.