この間(あいだ)

このあいだ

adverb

the other day; recently; lately

1. the other day, recently

Refers to a relatively recent past time, usually within the past few weeks.

この間(あいだ)、田中(たなか)さんに会(あ)いました。

I met Tanaka-san the other day.

The book I bought the other day was very interesting.

Thank you for the other day. (for what you did recently)

Set expression of gratitude

The movie I saw the other day was really good.

What happened with what we discussed the other day?

この間(あいだ)どうも。

Thanks for the other day.

The party the other day was fun.

2. lately, these past days

Can refer to a recent period of time rather than a specific day.

I've had a cold since recently.

Referring to a period

I've been busy lately.

I've been thinking about it for the past few days.

この間(あいだ) is a time expression meaning 'the other day' or 'recently.'

Position: Usually at the beginning of a sentence or clause.

[Register: Neutral]

Alternative reading: Can also be read as このかん when meaning 'during this time/interval' in more formal contexts.

Similar expressions:

この間(あいだ) vs. 最近(さいきん): 最近(さいきん) refers to a broader recent period; この間(あいだ) often refers to a specific recent occasion.
この間(あいだ) vs. 先日(せんじつ): 先日(せんじつ) is more formal; この間(あいだ) is neutral/casual.
この間(あいだ) vs. この頃(ごろ): この頃(ごろ) means 'these days' (ongoing); この間(あいだ) often refers to a past point.

Common expression: この間(あいだ)はどうも (Thank you for the other day - casual gratitude).

Related Words