How to Say "Between" in Japanese

間

kan[kã̠ɴ]

In Japanese, 'between' is expressed as 間 (kan).

The word 間 refers to the position or interval that separates two things. For example, you can use the pattern A と B の間 to say 'between A and B'.

Meaning: in the position or interval that separates two things (prep)

How does it change in a sentence?

When expressing a range of numbers, the word kara is used to indicate the starting point.

kan

The character 間 is composed of the radicals for 'sun' 日 and 'gate' 門. This visually represents the sunlight shining through the gap between a closed gate, embodying the idea of a space between.
While 'between' often implies a middle point, using 間 in phrases like 人間 (human) creates the meaning of 'being in the midst of heaven and earth'.
In Japanese social dynamics, 間 is used to describe the psychological distance or 'air' between people. If the 間 is bad, it means the social timing or rapport is awkward.

間食をするな。
Don't eat between meals.
This sentence is useful for expressing the concept of eating between meals using 間.
Tatoeba #183702 by bunbuku, translation #20825 by CK
行間読みなよ。
You have to read between the lines.
This sentence is useful for the metaphorical expression of reading between the lines using 間.
Tatoeba #8631884 by small_snow, translation #1291590 by PeterR
間食はよくない。
It is not good to eat between meals.
Tatoeba #183705 by small_snow, translation #20828 by Zifre
私と姉の間に本があります。
There is a book between me and my sister.
会議は4時と5時の間に行われます。
The meeting will take place between 4 and 5 o'clock.
彼らの間には強い絆があります。
There is a strong bond between them.
彼と彼女の間には共通点が多いです。
There are many common points between him and her.
東京と大阪の間
Between Tokyo and Osaka
二つのビルの間
Between the two buildings
120 more sentences on Tatoeba

Yota and Yui are looking for a lost item in the living room.

陽太 Yota

結衣、鍵はどこにあるかな？
Yui, kagi wa doko ni aru kana?
Yui, I wonder where the keys are?
結衣 Yui

ソファとテーブルの間を見てみて。
Sofā to tēburu no aida o mite mite.
Try looking between the sofa and the table.
陽太 Yota

あ、あった！ここにあったよ。
A, atta! Koko ni atta yo.
Oh, found them! They were here.
結衣 Yui

よかった、陽太。
Yokatta, Yota.
That's a relief, Yota.

Sources

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