〜中(ちゅう)

ちゅう
suffix
during ~, in the middle of ~
1. during, in the middle of
A suffix indicating that an action or state is ongoing or that something is within a time period.
会議(かいぎ)中(ちゅう)です。
I'm in a meeting.
オリンピック期間(きかん)中(ちゅう)は警備(けいび)が強化(きょうか)される。
Security is strengthened during the Olympic period.
準備(じゅんび)中(ちゅう)のため、もう少々(しょうしょう)お待(ま)ちください。
We are preparing, so please wait a moment.

〜中(ちゅう) is a suffix meaning 'during' or 'in the middle of,' attached to action nouns or time periods.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 営業中(えいぎょうちゅう): open for business
  • 使用中(しようちゅう): in use
  • 工事中(こうじちゅう): under construction
  • 故障中(こしょうちゅう): out of order
  • 準備中(じゅんびちゅう): preparing
  • 会議中(かいぎちゅう): in a meeting
  • 授業中(じゅぎょうちゅう): during class

READING DISTINCTION:

  • 〜中(ちゅう): during, in the middle of (ongoing action/state)
  • 〜中(じゅう): throughout, all over (spatial or temporal extent)

Examples: 世界中(せかいじゅう) (all over the world), 一日中(いちにちじゅう) (all day long)

USAGE:
Often seen on signs: 営業中(えいぎょうちゅう)/準備中(じゅんびちゅう) (open/closed for preparation). Very productive suffix — can attach to almost any action noun.

general
Added 2026.2.4 10:44 · Revised 2026.3.29 14:39
09500/09840_chuu