1.
in the middle of, during
While something is happening; at the peak of an activity.
会議の最中に
In the middle of a meeting.
食事の最中
During a meal.
仕事の最中に電話がかかってきた。
A phone call came in the middle of work.
試験の最中に地震が起きて、全員が避難した。
An earthquake occurred during the exam, and everyone evacuated.
友達と電話で話している最中に、急にバッテリーが切れてしまった。
While I was talking on the phone with a friend, the battery suddenly died.
最中 means "in the very middle of" an activity or event. It emphasizes that the action is actively in progress at that moment.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- Noun + の最中に: 会議の最中に (in the middle of a meeting)
- Verb ている + 最中に: 話している最中に (while talking)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 最中: right in the middle of (emphasizes the peak of activity)
- 途中: midway through, on the way (emphasizes being partway through)
- 間に: during (more general time frame)
CAUTION:
Do not confuse with 最中, a completely different word meaning a traditional Japanese wafer sweet filled with bean paste.
REGISTER:
Slightly formal. In casual speech, ～している時に is more natural.