ぬ間に (nu-ma-ni): Before; while not yet
～ぬ間に (nu-ma-ni)
Meaning
Before; while not yet
Formation and usage
V negative stem + ぬ間に; する → せぬ間に
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
A literary form of ない間に, taking advantage of a period before a change or before being noticed.
Examples
誰も気づかぬ間に、会議の準備を済ませた。
I finished preparing for the meeting before anyone noticed.
誰も気づかぬ間に、試験の準備を済ませた。
I finished preparing for the exam before anyone noticed.
誰も気づかぬ間に、研修の準備を済ませた。
I finished preparing for the training session before anyone noticed.
誰も気づかぬ間に、発表会の準備を済ませた。
I finished preparing for the presentation event before anyone noticed.
誰も気づかぬ間に、面接の準備を済ませた。
I finished preparing for the interview before anyone noticed.
How related patterns differ
に至って emphasizes a final or extreme point; にして初めて achieves a result only at that stage. ぬ間に uses the time before a change. に至るまで extends a range, while をめぐって surrounds an issue with activity or debate.