GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜最中に
Indicates that another event interrupts an activity while it is in full progress.
Examples
会議の最中に、突然停電した。
The power suddenly went out in the middle of the meeting.
Words used
料理の最中に、友人から電話がかかってきた。
A friend called me while I was in the middle of cooking.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Use
最中に（さいちゅうに）after an activity noun plusの, or after a verb in theているform, for a time when an activity is in full progress. - Basic usage:
会議の最中に、突然停電した。places the power outage during the ongoing meeting.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Connections that show ongoing activity
食事の最中にnames the activity with a noun, while食べている最中にdescribes the same scene with a progressive verb.食べた後でplaces the other event after the meal instead.