1.
inside, within
The interior part of something.
内と外の温度が違います。
The temperature inside and outside is different.
彼は心の内を見せない。
He doesn't show his inner feelings.
建物の内は涼しかったです。
The inside of the building was cool.
箱の内に何が入っていますか。
What's inside the box?
2.
among, of (a group)
Within a specified group or set.
三人の内、一人が女性だ。
Of the three, one is a woman.
Among meaning
五人の内、二人が来られませんでした。
Of the five, two couldn't come.
候補の内から一つを選んでください。
Please choose one from among the candidates.
十人の内、半分は女性です。
Of the ten people, half are women.
三つの選択肢の内、どれが一番いいですか。
Of the three options, which is the best?
3.
while, during
Within a time period; before something changes.
若い内に旅行したい。
I want to travel while I'm young.
While meaning
知らない内に寝ていた。
I fell asleep without realizing it.
〜ない内に pattern
暗くならない内に帰ろう。
Let's go home before it gets dark.
〜ない内に = before ~
忘れない内に書いておきます。
I'll write it down before I forget.
今日の内に終わらせましょう。
Let's finish it within today.
雨が降らない内に買い物に行きましょう。
Let's go shopping before it rains.
4.
one's home, one's group
Refers to one's own home, family, or organization.
内の会社では...
At our company...
In-group reference
内の子供は今年小学校に入ります。
Our child will start elementary school this year.
内の犬はとても元気です。
Our dog is very energetic.
内の母は料理が上手です。
My mother is good at cooking.
内では靴を脱いでください。
Please take off your shoes inside (our house).
内 has multiple meanings related to 'inside' or 'within.'
Grammar patterns:
- 〜の内: among ~, of ~
- 〜内に: while ~, before ~ (changes)
- 〜ない内に: before ~ happens
In-group usage:
- 内: my home, our family, our company (humble)
- 内の + [person/thing]: my/our ~
Contrast:
- 内 (inside, in-group) vs. 外 (outside, out-group)
- 内 can be humble; お宅 is the polite equivalent for others' homes
Note: The sense of 'inside' is abstract - for physical interiors, 中 is more common.
Related Words
See also:
中