1.
while driving; during driving
The state of being in the process of driving a vehicle.
運転中は電話するな。
Don't use the phone while driving.
運転中にメールを見るのは危ない。
Looking at emails while driving is dangerous.
2.
in operation; running
The state of a machine or system currently being in operation.
このエレベーターは運転中です。
This elevator is in operation.
運転中 means 'while driving' or 'in operation.' It combines 運転 (driving/operation) with the suffix 中 (during).
WORD FORMATION:
The suffix 〜中 attaches to action nouns to mean 'in the middle of ~.' Other examples: 工事中 (under construction), 営業中 (open for business), 使用中 (in use).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 運転中の事故: accident while driving
- 運転中は注意: be careful while driving
- 運転中の携帯電話: using a mobile phone while driving
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 走行中: while the vehicle is moving
- 作動中: in operation (for machines)