Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N3 · Intermediate 3
〜最中に~ saichuu ni
right in the middle of
Use 「〜最中に」 for something that happens while an activity is in progress, often unexpectedly.
How it works

The meeting is still going when the screen suddenly goes blank. At the red event, the meeting has started but has not yet ended.

「最中に」 emphasizes “right in the middle of doing something.” It is often followed by a sudden or unexpected event.

With verbs, use 「ている最中に」, as in 「洗濯している最中に」. This shows that the action is in progress.

With nouns naming activities, use 「の最中に」, as in 「会議の最中に」. Put の between the noun and 最中.

In the example, the strange noise occurs while the laundry is being done. 最中 emphasizes being in the midst of the activity, not necessarily exactly halfway through it.
Example sentences
- オンラインonrain会議kaigiをoしshiてteいるiru最中saichuuに、ni、パソコンpasokonのno画面gamen
In a conversation

Check yourself
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
In the middle of an online meeting, the computer screen suddenly went out.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
オンライン会議をしている____、パソコンの画面が急に消えました。
In the middle of an online meeting, the computer screen suddenly went off.
More grammar in this theme
- 〜最中にright in the middle of