interval · between

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on readings are かん and けん, and the kun readings are あいだ and ま. It has 12 strokes. It appears in words for positions or time between things, intervals, and rooms.
• Basic usage: 間 is read あいだ and 間 is read ま.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 間（あいだ） / 間（ま）
  • 間 means between or during and is read あいだ. It describes a position between places or a span of time.
  • 駅と図書館の間に小さな公園がある。 means “There is a small park between the station and the library.”
  • 間 means interval or room and is read ま. It refers to a pause or an inner room.
  • 少し間を置いてから、落ち着いて返事をした。 means “I paused briefly and then answered calmly.”