Japanese word

合間

Pronunciation

Romajiaima

Meaning

  • nounbreak

Example

仕事の合間に水を飲みます。shi goto no ai ma ni mizu o no mi ma su

I drink water during a break from work.

Illustration for 合間 (break)

More examples

会議の合間に、同僚と話します。kai gi no ai ma ni dō ryō to hana shi ma su

I talk with my coworkers between meetings.

Core concept

Refers to the open time that appears between activities while a larger task or routine continues.

Common phrases

  • 授業の合間にju gyō no ai ma ni

    between classes

  • 仕事の合間にshi goto no ai ma ni

    during a break from work

  • 移動の合間にi dō no ai ma ni

    during a break between trips

Similar words

休憩kyūkei: A period set aside to stop work or another activity and rest.
休みyasumi: A period when work, school, or another regular activity is stopped.
暇hima: Time available when there is no immediate work or scheduled activity.

Definition in Japanese

ある事を続けている途中で、別の事をしたり休んだりできる短い時間。a ru koto o tsuzu ke te i ru to chū de betsu no koto o shi ta ri yasu n da ri de ki ru mijika i ji kan

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 合間 (aima) combines 合い (ai, "meeting") from 合う (au, "to meet") with 間 (ma, "interval"), forming the sense of an interval where activities meet or alternate.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 合間 (aima) often describes a short opening for an activity during a busy schedule, not a long period of planned free time.

Other meanings

  • intervalnoun
  • spare momentnoun

Word lists with this word