Structure
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
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Standard
About 最中に
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.
Caution
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.
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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
～ところに・～ところへ
At the time, When, While, Timing
Not studied yet
途中に・途中で
On the way, Partway, In the middle of
Not studied yet
とき
When, At the time of
Not studied yet
ているところだ
In the process of doing ~ right now/at this moment
Not studied yet
中
During, While, Throughout, In the process of
Not studied yet
の間に
While, During, Between, Period
Not studied yet
うちに
While, During
Not studied yet
Examples
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それについては考えている最中です。
I am in the middle of thinking about that.
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.
テストの最中に眠ってしまった。
I fell asleep in the middle of taking the test.
話している最中に邪魔をするのはやめてほしい。
I want you to stop disturbing me while I am talking.
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Online
最中に and うちに differences
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最中に – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (3 in total)
bambusmatte
It can also be used with で, for example:
ゲームの最中で (during the game)
Fuga
Hey there @bambusmatte !
で would not work with 最中 since it is a particle used to highlight the ‘place’ that is required for an action to take. Since 最中 is not a place に would be more natural to use since に is a particle that can be used for both ‘place’ and ‘time’.
I hope this helps!
bambusmatte
thank you
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