Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N3 · Intermediate 2
during a journey or activity
Use 〜途中で for an event during a journey or activity, and 〜途中に to point out a place or moment along the way.
You meet a friend on the way to the library. 「途中で」 highlights what happens along the way.
The convenience store is on the way to the facility. 「途中に」 points out a location along the route.
「途中」 refers to a period after something has begun but before it ends. It is also used for activities, not just journeys.
For journeys, use the verb’s dictionary form: 「行く途中」. Keep 「行く」 even when talking about the past.
For an activity in progress, you can use 「ている」: 「説明を聞いている途中で」.
An unfamiliar word comes up while you listen to an explanation. This too is something that happens before an activity is over.
With a noun naming an activity, use “noun + の + 途中”: for example, 「見学の途中」.
「見学の途中に、休憩時間があります。」 indicates a point during the visit when there is a break.
「来る途中で、雨が降ってきました。」 means it started raining on the way here, before you arrived.
「途中」 does not have to mean exactly halfway. It also does not mean the original action necessarily stops.
On my way to the library, I met a friend. + While listening to the explanation, I encountered some words I didn't understand.
On my way to the civic center, it started to rain.
That must have been tough. There are umbrellas in the community lounge, so please feel free to use one.
Thank you very much. That really helps.
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
On the way to the self-study area, I found a new copy machine.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
図書館へ行く____、友だちに会いました。
On the way to the library, I met a friend.
On the way from the station to the facility, there is a convenience store. + During the tour of the facility, there is a break time.
