名詞＋中（ちゅう）

N4

名詞＋中（ちゅう）

Meishi + chuu

Noun + chuu (in the middle of ~)

N4

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Explanation

The grammar point 中 (ちゅう) is attached to a noun to indicate that something is currently happening, ongoing, or in the middle of a process. It is often used for activities like work, study, meetings, or events. The reading can change to じゅう with some words.

Structure

Pattern
Noun + 中（ちゅう）
NounThe activity or event currently happening.
Examples: 勉強 (study), 仕事 (work), 会議 (meeting)
中（ちゅう）Indicates 'in the middle of' or 'during'.
Examples: 勉強中 (in the middle of studying), 会議中 (during a meeting)

Examples

Example 1
彼は仕事中です。
Kare wa shigotochuu desu.
He is in the middle of work.
Breakdown
彼he
はtopic marker
仕事work
中in the middle of
ですis
Example 2
試験中、携帯電話を使ってはいけません。
Shiken chuu, keitai denwa wo tsukatte wa ikemasen.
During the exam, you must not use your mobile phone.
Breakdown
試験exam
中during
携帯電話mobile phone
をobject marker
使ってuse (te-form)
はtopic/contrast marker
いけませんmust not
Example 3
映画を観ている最中に、彼は泣き始めました。
Eiga o mite iru saichuu ni, kare wa naki hajimemashita.
In the middle of watching the movie, he started to cry.
Breakdown
映画movie
をobject marker
観ているwatching
最中にin the middle of
彼he
はtopic marker
泣き始めましたstarted to cry
Note: 最中（さいちゅう） is a related word meaning 'in the midst of'.
Example 4
彼女は今勉強中です。
Kanojo wa ima benkyouchuu desu.
She is currently studying.
Breakdown
彼女she
はtopic marker
今now
勉強study
中in the middle of
ですis

Related Grammar

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