中
During, While, Throughout, In the process of
Structure
Explanation
The suffix 中 is commonly attached to nouns to indicate a span of time or a particular space. By adding the case marking particle に, the sentence specifies that action (B) takes place within the duration or confines of (A). Common translations include 'during (A), (B)' or 'throughout (A), (B)'. First, let's examine 中 when it is used to describe an activity in progress.
- ただいま、授業中なんだ。Class is in session right now.
- ミーティングは午前中なんです。The meeting is sometime during the morning.
Now, to express that an event (B) occurs within the bounds of (A), you can simply add the case marking particle に to define a 'point in time'. This is accomplished by attaching に directly to the noun you wish to mark as the period or location where something else happens or exists.
- 彼女は旅行中に写真をたくさん撮る。She takes a lot of pictures during her trip. (At some point while on the trip)
- 私は食事中にタバコを吸われるのが嫌いだ。I hate it when people smoke while I'm eating. (At some point during the meal)
- 今週中に連絡してください。Please get in touch within the week. (Within this week as the deadline)
- 夏休み中に引っ越したい。I want to move sometime during summer vacation. (Within summer vacation as the timeframe)
In the sentences above, we can see that 中に is sometimes pronounced 中に. The general principle for deciding whether to use ちゅう or じゅう is explained below:
中に - Typically denotes a specific, often brief, period or area. It can also refer to a duration that is not fixed and may vary depending on the context or person. Since ちゅう often emphasizes an activity, it carries the nuance that (A) is 'in progress'.
Examples - A phone call, a test, a walk.
- 授業中におしゃべりすると、先生に怒られる。If you chat during class, the teacher will get mad.
中に - Refers to a defined span of time or an entire area that remains constant regardless of the circumstances. Consequently, じゅう doesn't highlight an ongoing action but rather the whole duration or expanse itself. This often implies 'all over' or 'for the entire duration of'.
Examples - A week, a month, a room, a city.
- 公園中にきれいな花が咲いている。Beautiful flowers are blooming all over the park.
Caution
Another factor to consider is the distinction between 音読み (Chinese-derived readings) and 訓読み (native Japanese readings).
じゅう is typically paired with 訓読み - (一日中, 今週中, 体中).
ちゅう is generally used with 音読み - (午前中, 滞在中, 食事中).
Examples
午前中、ずっと本を読んでいた。
I was reading a book (all) throughout the morning.
会議中は携帯電話の電源を切ってください。
Please turn off your cell phone during the meeting.
ただいま準備中ですので、もう少しお待ちください。
We are currently in the process of preparing, so please wait a little longer.
部屋中に本が散らかっている。
There are books scattered all over the room.
旅行中に財布をなくしてしまった。
I lost my wallet while I was traveling.
赤ちゃんが熱を出したので、一晩中看病した。
My baby had a fever, so I took care of her all night long.
この道路は工事中のため、通れません。
This road is currently under construction, so you cannot pass through.
そのニュースは町中の噂になった。
That news became the talk of the entire town.
映画中にポップコーンを食べるのが好きだ。
I like to eat popcorn during the movie.
このレポートは今日中に提出してください。
Please submit this report sometime today.
彼らはまだ話し合い中のようです。
It seems they are still in the middle of a discussion.
大掃除をして、家中がピカピカになった。
After a big cleaning, the entire house became sparkling clean.