最中に (saichuu-ni): In the middle of
～最中に (saichuu-ni)
Meaning
In the middle of
Formation and usage
Vている／Nの + 最中に
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
Emphasizes the middle of an ongoing activity, often when it is interrupted.
Examples
会議の最中に、火災報知器が鳴った。
A fire alarm rang in the middle of the meeting.
試験の最中に、火災報知器が鳴った。
A fire alarm rang in the middle of the exam.
研修の最中に、火災報知器が鳴った。
A fire alarm rang in the middle of the training session.
発表会の最中に、火災報知器が鳴った。
A fire alarm rang in the middle of the presentation event.
面接の最中に、火災報知器が鳴った。
A fire alarm rang in the middle of the interview.
How related patterns differ
た上で requires a prior step; dictionary form plus 上で sets an activity's scope. 最中に means in the middle, while 拍子に often triggers an accidental result. に先立って precedes an occasion; に際して introduces the occasion itself.