Definition
其间 (qí jiān) is a formal noun meaning 'in between' or 'during that period,' used in both spatial and temporal contexts. It is more literary than 中间 (zhōng jiān, 'middle') and broader than 期间 (qī jiān, which refers specifically to a defined time interval). Unlike 之间 (zhī jiān), which follows a noun, 其间 stands alone as a time/place reference.
noun
(formal) in betweenduring that period(formal) in the meantime
Easily confused
- 期间qī jiānsound-alikeperiod (of time); interval (often used to specify when something occurs)
Examples
- 其间。Zhèxiē dàlóu qí jiān yǒu yì tiáo xiǎo lù.There is a small path in between these buildings.
- 其间。Tā zài dàxué qí jiān xuéhuì le Rìyǔ.He learned Japanese during his time at university.
- ，其间。Nǐ děng yíxià, qí jiān wǒ qù dǎ ge diànhuà.You wait a moment, and I'll go make a phone call in the meantime.
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