GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜途中で
Indicates that another event occurs partway through a journey or ongoing activity.
Examples
駅へ向かう途中で急に雨が降ってきた。
It suddenly started raining while I was on my way to the station.
Words used
散歩の途中で古い友人に会った。
I ran into an old friend during my walk.
Words used
会社へ行く途中で財布を落とした。
I lost my wallet on the way to work.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
途中で（とちゅうで）follows a dictionary-form verb or a noun plusのand places another event during a journey or activity. - Basic usage:
散歩の途中で古い友人に会った。describes meeting an old friend during a walk.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- During a journey versus after it
駅へ行く途中で買うplaces a purchase on the way to the station, whereas駅へ行った後で買うplaces it after going there. The reference action connects with行く, so even a past event can be expressed as駅へ行く途中で買った.