Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'meanwhile' to link two separate actions happening at the same time, often highlighting a contrast between different locations or people.
- Use 'meanwhile' as a transition between two independent sentences, usually followed by a comma: 'He cooked. Meanwhile, she worked.'
- Distinguish from 'while'; 'meanwhile' is an adverb, whereas 'while' is a subordinating conjunction used within a single sentence.
- Use it to show contrast: 'The city thrived. Meanwhile, the rural areas suffered from neglect and underinvestment.'
Overview
meanwhile は、単に「その間に」という時間を表すだけでなく、複数の出来事を並行して描写したり、対照的な状況を際立たせたりする際に極めて重要な役割を果たします。meanwhile は、文法的には「接続副詞（conjunctive adverb）」または「時の副詞」として機能します。その核心的な目的は、ある出来事が進行している「その合間の時間」に、別の出来事が起きていることを示すことにあります。日本語では「その間に」「一方で」「それと並行して」などと訳されますが、英語の meanwhile には、聞き手や読み手の注意を「主となる物語」から「同時進行している別の場面」へとスムーズに移動させる、映画のカメラワークのような視点移動の効果があります。meanwhile を使いこなすためには、単なる語彙としての意味を知るだけでは不十分です。文中での配置（構文的柔軟性）、文脈によるニュアンスの変化、そしてネイティブスピーカーがどのようにして「対照」や「皮肉」を込めてこの語を使うのかという直感を理解する必要があります。本稿では、日本人が陥りやすい間違いを指摘しつつ、meanwhile の持つ多角的な機能を深く掘り下げていきます。meanwhile は「談話標識（discourse marker）」として機能し、時間的な同時性（temporal concomitance）を合図します。しかし、単に「同時に」を意味する at the same time とは異なり、meanwhile には「ある一定の期間が持続している間」というニュアンスが強く含まれます。meanwhile は独立した副詞として機能するため、文の構造を大きく変えることなく情報の追加が可能です。日本語の「は」と「が」の使い分けのように、英語では語順や接続詞の選択で情報の焦点を制御します。meanwhile を使うことで、文の主語（トピック）を切り替えつつ、時間軸だけは共有していることを明示できるのです。meanwhile が指し示すのは、瞬間的な点ではなく、ある程度の「幅」を持った時間です。例えば、The primary experiment was underway; meanwhile, the support staff prepared the secondary tests. という文では、実験が行われている「継続的な時間」の枠内で、スタッフが準備をしているという並行関係が示されています。meanwhile は、単なる時間の経過だけでなく、2つの事象の「対照（contrast）」を強調するために使われることが多々あります。例えば、「景気は回復しているが、一方で失業率は高いままだ」というような、矛盾する、あるいは異なる性質の事象が同時に存在していることを示す際に、論理的な深みを与えます。meanwhile の機能 |meanwhile の配置と句読点（punctuation）の使い方は、文の洗練度を左右します。特にセミコロン（;）の使用は、C1レベルのライティングにおいて必須のスキルです。- 構造:
[独立した節1]; meanwhile, [独立した節2]. - 例:
The lead engineer finalized the design specifications; meanwhile, the procurement team began sourcing components. - 解説: セミコロンは、2つの文が密接に関連していることを示し、
meanwhileの後のカンマは、これが接続副詞であることを明示します。
- 構造:
[文1]. Meanwhile, [文2]. - 例:
The negotiations stretched into the late hours. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the embassy. - 解説: 前の文との時間的なつながりを維持しつつ、視点を「交渉の場」から「大使館の外」へと完全に移動させています。
- 構造:
[主語], meanwhile, [動詞句]. - 例:
The CEO, meanwhile, addressed the board's concerns regarding the merger. - 解説: この場合、
meanwhileは前の文で述べられた状況と同時進行で、CEOが何をしたかに焦点を当てています。カンマで囲むのが一般的です。
meanwhile を使うべき主要な4つのシチュエーションを見てみましょう。The marketing team launched the social media campaign. Meanwhile, the IT department monitored the website traffic for any surges.
The company proudly announced record profits; meanwhile, many entry-level employees struggled with the rising cost of living.
The hero fought the dragon in the cave. Meanwhile, back in the village, the townspeople prepared for the worst.
The professor delivered a complex lecture on quantum mechanics. Meanwhile, a few students in the back row were quietly taking notes on their tablets.
meanwhile には対照のニュアンスがありますが、あくまで「同時進行」が前提です。時間的な重なりがない場合には使えません。- ❌ Incorrect:
I wanted to be a doctor; meanwhile, I became a teacher instead. - ⭕️ Correct:
I wanted to be a doctor; however, I became a teacher instead. - 理由: 医者になりたかったことと、教師になったことは、時間の流れの中での「変化」や「結果」であり、並行して起きていることではないため、
howeverが適切です。
then や afterward を使います。- ❌ Incorrect:
She finished her homework; meanwhile, she went to bed. - ⭕️ Correct:
She finished her homework; afterward, she went to bed. - 理由: 宿題を終えることと寝ることは連続した動作であり、同時進行ではありません。
meanwhile は接続詞（and や but）ではなく副詞なので、カンマだけで2つの文をつなぐことはできません。これは日本人が最もよくやる文法ミスの一つです。- ❌ Incorrect:
The rain started to fall, meanwhile, the hikers looked for shelter. - ⭕️ Correct:
The rain started to fall; meanwhile, the hikers looked for shelter. - 理由: 独立した2つの節をカンマだけでつなぐことは英語では許されません。セミコロンかピリオドが必要です。
meanwhile と似た意味を持つ表現との違いを整理しましょう。The meeting continued; meanwhile, I checked my emails. |The taxi will be here in 10 minutes. In the meantime, let's have coffee. |She is a talented singer and, at the same time, a great mother. |While I was cooking, the phone rang. |He loves cities, whereas his wife prefers the countryside. |meanwhile を文の最後に置くことはできますか？He was working hard. I was sleeping, meanwhile. のように使えますが、C1レベルのライティングでは、文頭やセミコロンの直後に置く方が、論理構成が明確になるため推奨されます。In the meantime と Meanwhile は完全に入れ替え可能ですか？In the meantime は「何かが起こるまでの待機時間」を指すことが多いです（例：修理が終わるまで、その間にお茶を飲もう）。一方、meanwhile は「2つの物語が並行している」というナラティブな視点が強いです。meanwhile を使うのは失礼ではありませんか？meanwhile で良いですか？on the other hand や whereas が適しています。meanwhile を使うのは、そこに「時間的な同時進行」のニュアンスが含まれる場合のみです。Sentence Placement of 'Meanwhile'
| Position | Punctuation | Effect | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sentence Initial
|
Period + Meanwhile + Comma
|
Standard transition
|
The rain fell. Meanwhile, we waited.
|
|
Mid-Sentence (Conjunction)
|
Semicolon + Meanwhile + Comma
|
Close logical link
|
He slept; meanwhile, she worked.
|
|
Parenthetical
|
Comma + meanwhile + comma
|
Adds a side note
|
The plan, meanwhile, was failing.
|
|
Sentence Final
|
Comma + meanwhile
|
Informal/Emphasis
|
They were dancing; I was crying meanwhile.
|
Meanings
A conjunctive adverb used to indicate that an action or circumstance is occurring at the same time as another previously mentioned event.
Pure Simultaneity
Two events happening at the exact same time without necessarily implying a relationship other than timing.
“The orchestra began to play. Meanwhile, the stagehands prepared the next set behind the curtain.”
“I was finishing my degree in London. Meanwhile, my brother was starting his first job in New York.”
Contrastive Parallelism
Highlighting the difference between two simultaneous situations, often to show irony or social disparity.
“Luxury car sales are soaring. Meanwhile, the average worker's wage has remained stagnant for a decade.”
“The CEO celebrated the record profits. Meanwhile, hundreds of employees were being laid off.”
Narrative Transition
Moving the reader's attention from one scene to another in a story.
“The hero entered the dragon's lair. Meanwhile, back at the castle, the king was plotting his betrayal.”
“The detectives were busy analyzing the DNA. Meanwhile, the suspect was already boarding a flight to Zurich.”
Reference Table
| 構造 | 使い方 | 例 | 補足 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
; meanwhile, [clause]
|
二つの独立節を繋ぐ
|
He cooked dinner; meanwhile, she set the table.
|
フォーマルな書き言葉でよく使われます。
|
|
. Meanwhile, [sentence]
|
新しい文を始める
|
The bus was late. Meanwhile, I called a taxi.
|
物語の流れを作るのに便利で、汎用性が高いです。
|
|
[action], meanwhile [another action]
|
文中で使用（頻度は低い）
|
The movie started, meanwhile, I grabbed popcorn.
|
注意して使用しましょう。句読点が必要です。
|
|
Meanwhile, [clause]
|
従属節の始まりに
|
Meanwhile, as the rain poured, we stayed inside.
|
暗黙の先行する文脈に繋がります。
|
|
対比（暗黙的）
|
同時だが異なる出来事
|
She studied hard; meanwhile, her friends relaxed.
|
異なる行動を強調します。
|
|
物語の進行
|
複数のストーリーラインを進める
|
The hero fought. Meanwhile, his allies regrouped.
|
読者に並行する出来事を伝えます。
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
The department head finalized the budget; meanwhile, the staff prepared the annual report. (Workplace)
The boss was finishing the budget. Meanwhile, the staff were getting the report ready. (Workplace)
The boss was doing the budget. Meanwhile, we were all working on the report. (Workplace)
Boss was grinding on the budget. Meanwhile, we were out here killing the report. (Workplace)
「Meanwhile」の世界
主な機能
- Simultaneity 同時に起こる
- Temporal Link 出来事を時系列で繋ぐ
文法上の役割
- Adverb 動詞／節を修飾する
- Conjunction 二つの節を繋ぐ
主要な構造
- Semicolon ; meanwhile, [clause]
- New Sentence . Meanwhile, [sentence]
一般的な使用法
- Narrative ストーリーラインを進める
- Contrast 異なる同時進行の行動を示す
「Meanwhile」と似た接続詞の比較
「Meanwhile」を使うべきですか？
二つの出来事を描写していますか？
両方の出来事は同時に起こっていますか？
二つ目の出来事に焦点を移したいですか？
「Meanwhile」が活躍する場面
フォーマルな設定
- • 報告書
- • 学術論文
- • ニュース記事
- • ビジネスメール
インフォーマルなチャット
- • テキストメッセージ
- • ソーシャルメディアのキャプション
- • カフェでの会話
- • ゲームチャット
物語での使用
- • ストーリーテリング
- • 映画／テレビの字幕
- • ポッドキャスト
- • 個人の逸話
現代の文脈
- • Zoom会議
- • オンライン学習フォーラム
- • デリバリーアプリの更新
- • プロジェクト管理の更新
レベル別の例文
I am reading a book. Meanwhile, my mom is making dinner.
I am reading a book. Meanwhile, my mom is making dinner.
The sun is hot. Meanwhile, the water is cold.
The sun is hot. Meanwhile, the water is cold.
Tom is playing football. Meanwhile, Sarah is watching.
Tom is playing football. Meanwhile, Sarah is watching.
I am at school. Meanwhile, my dog is at home.
I am at school. Meanwhile, my dog is at home.
The train is arriving now. Meanwhile, the passengers are waiting on the platform.
The train is arriving now. Meanwhile, the passengers are waiting on the platform.
I am working in the office. Meanwhile, my friends are at the beach.
I am working in the office. Meanwhile, my friends are at the beach.
The shop is closed. Meanwhile, the owner is cleaning inside.
The shop is closed. Meanwhile, the owner is cleaning inside.
He is learning English. Meanwhile, his sister is learning French.
He is learning English. Meanwhile, his sister is learning French.
The government promised to lower taxes. Meanwhile, the price of gasoline continues to rise.
The government promised to lower taxes. Meanwhile, the price of gasoline continues to rise.
The main characters were escaping through the back door. Meanwhile, the police were entering through the front.
The main characters were escaping through the back door. Meanwhile, the police were entering through the front.
The company is expanding into Asia. Meanwhile, they are closing several branches in Europe.
The company is expanding into Asia. Meanwhile, they are closing several branches in Europe.
I was trying to fix the computer. Meanwhile, my brother was just making the problem worse.
I was trying to fix the computer. Meanwhile, my brother was just making the problem worse.
The tech industry is seeing unprecedented growth; meanwhile, traditional manufacturing sectors are struggling to adapt.
The tech industry is seeing unprecedented growth; meanwhile, traditional manufacturing sectors are struggling to adapt.
The scientists monitored the volcanic activity from a distance. Meanwhile, the local residents were being evacuated to safety.
The scientists monitored the volcanic activity from a distance. Meanwhile, the local residents were being evacuated to safety.
The film focuses on the lives of the wealthy elite. Meanwhile, it subtly highlights the struggles of the working class in the background.
The film focuses on the lives of the wealthy elite. Meanwhile, it subtly highlights the struggles of the working class in the background.
The software automatically backups your data. Meanwhile, you can proceed with the installation without interruption.
The software automatically backups your data. Meanwhile, you can proceed with the installation without interruption.
The central bank has maintained a hawkish stance on interest rates. Meanwhile, retail investors, undeterred by the risk, continue to pour capital into speculative assets.
The central bank has maintained a hawkish stance on interest rates. Meanwhile, retail investors, undeterred by the risk, continue to pour capital into speculative assets.
The diplomatic talks reached a stalemate in Brussels. Meanwhile, on the border, tensions continued to escalate as military exercises commenced.
The diplomatic talks reached a stalemate in Brussels. Meanwhile, on the border, tensions continued to escalate as military exercises commenced.
The protagonist's internal monologue reveals a deep sense of insecurity. Meanwhile, his outward actions project an image of absolute confidence.
The protagonist's internal monologue reveals a deep sense of insecurity. Meanwhile, his outward actions project an image of absolute confidence.
Urban centers are becoming increasingly congested and expensive. Meanwhile, a counter-trend of 'digital nomadism' is revitalizing previously dying rural villages.
Urban centers are becoming increasingly congested and expensive. Meanwhile, a counter-trend of 'digital nomadism' is revitalizing previously dying rural villages.
The grand narrative of progress often overlooks the marginalized. Meanwhile, in the periphery of these success stories, systemic inequalities are frequently reinforced rather than dismantled.
The grand narrative of progress often overlooks the marginalized. Meanwhile, in the periphery of these success stories, systemic inequalities are frequently reinforced rather than dismantled.
The poet utilizes a rigid sonnet structure to convey order. Meanwhile, the chaotic imagery within the lines serves to subvert that very sense of stability.
The poet utilizes a rigid sonnet structure to convey order. Meanwhile, the chaotic imagery within the lines serves to subvert that very sense of stability.
While the legislation was ostensibly designed to protect consumer privacy, it was, meanwhile, being lobbied against by the very corporations it sought to regulate.
While the legislation was ostensibly designed to protect consumer privacy, it was, meanwhile, being lobbied against by the very corporations it sought to regulate.
The empire's borders were expanding at an unprecedented rate. Meanwhile, the internal rot of corruption was already beginning to hollow out its core institutions.
The empire's borders were expanding at an unprecedented rate. Meanwhile, the internal rot of corruption was already beginning to hollow out its core institutions.
間違えやすい
Learners use 'meanwhile' to join two clauses in one sentence, which is a grammar error.
Learners use them interchangeably, but 'in the meantime' is specifically for waiting periods.
'Simultaneously' is more clinical and technical; 'meanwhile' is more narrative.
よくある間違い
I am eating meanwhile he is sleeping.
I am eating. Meanwhile, he is sleeping.
Meanwhile I go to school.
I am at home. Meanwhile, my brother goes to school.
I study and meanwhile I listen music.
I study. Meanwhile, I listen to music.
Meanwhile, the sun is hot.
It is winter here. Meanwhile, the sun is hot in Australia.
He was working, meanwhile his wife was shopping.
He was working. Meanwhile, his wife was shopping.
In the meanwhile, we waited.
In the meantime, we waited. / Meanwhile, we waited.
Meanwhile the movie, I ate popcorn.
During the movie, I ate popcorn.
The prices rose while meanwhile the quality fell.
The prices rose. Meanwhile, the quality fell.
The team lost the game; meanwhile they played well.
The team lost the game; however, they played well.
I'll be back in an hour. Meanwhile, have fun.
I'll be back in an hour. In the meantime, have fun.
The legislation was passed, meanwhile, the public remained unaware.
The legislation was passed; meanwhile, the public remained unaware.
The stocks crashed. Meanwhile of this, the gold prices rose.
The stocks crashed. Meanwhile, gold prices rose.
The city was quiet. Meanwhile, in another place, the war continued.
The city was quiet. Meanwhile, the war continued.
He is a doctor, meanwhile his brother is a lawyer.
He is a doctor; his brother, meanwhile, is a lawyer.
文型パターン
[Person A] is ___. Meanwhile, [Person B] is ___.
The [Noun] [Verb]ed; meanwhile, the [Noun] [Verb]ed.
While the [Subject] [Verb], [Subject], meanwhile, [Verb].
___ is happening. Meanwhile, ___ is also occurring.
Real World Usage
The stock market hit a record high today. Meanwhile, unemployment figures remain concerning.
I'm stuck in a meeting. Meanwhile, my lunch is getting cold on my desk. 😭
I managed the project delivery. Meanwhile, I was also mentoring two junior developers.
You should book the flights. Meanwhile, I'll look for a good hotel.
Me trying to be productive. Meanwhile, my brain: [video of a dancing hamster].
The Enlightenment promoted reason. Meanwhile, the Romantic movement emphasized emotion.
継続している行動に注目しよう
「but」と混同しないで！
セミコロンが秘密兵器
; meanwhile,）を使うと、あなたの文章が洗練され、正確になります。プロレベルのテクニックですよ！「When connecting two full sentences (independent clauses), a semicolon before 'meanwhile' and a comma after it (; meanwhile,) makes your writing polished and precise. Pro-level stuff!"英語における物語の流れ
Smart Tips
Use 'meanwhile' to contrast a positive event with a negative one happening at the same time.
Check if you should be using 'while' instead of 'meanwhile'.
Use 'meanwhile' to compare the performance of different departments or regions.
Use 'meanwhile' to jump between scenes to keep the reader engaged.
発音
Word Stress
The stress is on the first syllable: MEAN-while.
The 'wh' sound
In most modern English dialects, the 'wh' is pronounced as a simple 'w'. In some formal or older dialects (like some Scottish or Southern US), it may be a voiceless 'hw'.
Transition Rise-Fall
Meanwhile, [slight pause] the sun came out.
The pitch rises slightly on 'Mean-' and falls on '-while', followed by a pause to signal a new topic.
暗記しよう
記憶術
M.E.A.N. - Multiple Events At Now.
視覚的連想
Imagine a split-screen in a movie. On the left side, a man is working hard. On the right side, his family is playing at the park. The line in the middle of the screen is the word 'Meanwhile'.
Rhyme
One thing starts, another begins; 'Meanwhile' joins them, and everyone wins!
Story
A chef is frantically cooking a five-course meal in a hot kitchen. Meanwhile, in the dining room, the guests are laughing and sipping expensive wine, completely unaware of the chaos. This contrast shows the power of the word.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write three pairs of sentences about your day. In each pair, use 'Meanwhile' to describe what a friend or family member was doing at the same time you were doing your activity.
文化メモ
In UK and US journalism, 'meanwhile' is the 'bread and butter' of news anchors. It is used to transition between unrelated news stories to create a sense of a 'global picture.'
In classic English literature (e.g., Dickens), 'meanwhile' was often used to manage sprawling casts of characters, keeping the reader informed of parallel plots.
Modern internet culture uses 'Meanwhile in [Country Name]' as a meme format to show something stereotypical or bizarre happening in that location.
Derived from Middle English 'meane' (middle/intervening) and 'while' (time).
会話のきっかけ
What are you doing right now? Meanwhile, what do you think your best friend is doing?
How has your city changed in the last five years? Meanwhile, how has your own life changed?
The world is becoming more digital. Meanwhile, some people are choosing to go 'off-grid.' What is your opinion on this contrast?
In your country, the economy might be doing one thing. Meanwhile, what is happening in the arts or sports world?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
She was studying for her finals; ___, her friends were planning a surprise party.
Find and fix the mistake:
The children played loudly meanwhile their parents tried to relax.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /3
練習問題
8 exercisesWhich of the following is correct?
___ I was walking to the store, I saw a famous actor.
Find and fix the mistake:
The cake is in the oven for 30 minutes; in the meanwhile, let's clean the kitchen.
The sun was setting. The moon was rising.
'The rich get richer. Meanwhile, the poor get poorer.'
A: I'll be in the meeting for two hours. B: Okay. ___, I'll finish the report.
'Meanwhile' can be used as a preposition followed by a noun (e.g., Meanwhile the dinner).
Meanwhile / was / the / cooking / dinner / father / . / Sarah / playing / was / .
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe software was updating; ___, the user decided to grab a coffee.
She was texting her friends. Meanwhile she walked into a lamp post.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'El sol se puso; mientras tanto, las estrellas comenzaron a aparecer.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the beginning of the sentence with a logical continuation:
The app was downloading a huge update; ___, I browsed social media.
He was jogging meanwhile listening to a podcast.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Mientras tanto, ella preparaba la cena.'
Arrange these words:
Connect the event with what happened 'meanwhile'.
Score: /12
よくある質問 (8)
Yes, it is very common to start a sentence with `Meanwhile` to transition from a previous thought. Just remember to put a comma after it.
It is neutral. It is used in both casual conversation and very formal academic or journalistic writing.
`Simultaneously` is more technical and emphasizes that two things happen at the exact same micro-second. `Meanwhile` is more narrative and often implies a shift in location or focus.
In very casual writing, people sometimes omit the comma, but in standard English, a comma is required after `Meanwhile` when it starts a sentence.
No, it is considered a non-standard error. You should use `in the meantime` or simply `meanwhile`.
No, it can be purely temporal (showing time). However, at advanced levels, it is often chosen specifically to imply a contrast.
Yes, as a parenthetical. For example: 'The project, meanwhile, was falling behind schedule.'
You can use synonyms like `at the same time`, `concurrently`, `in the interim`, or `while` (with a different sentence structure).
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
mientras tanto
English 'meanwhile' is strictly an adverb, while 'mientras' can be a conjunction.
pendant ce temps
French often uses 'en attendant' for 'in the meantime', which is a clearer distinction than in English.
währenddessen / mittlerweile
German word order changes after 'währenddessen' (verb-second rule), whereas English does not.
その間に (sono aida ni) / 一方で (ippou de)
Japanese often requires two different words depending on whether the focus is time or contrast.
في هذه الأثناء (fi hadhihi al-athna')
Arabic usage is almost exclusively formal, whereas 'meanwhile' can be informal.
与此同时 (yǔ cǐ tóng shí)
Chinese often places this at the very beginning of the sentence, similar to English.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
Related Grammar Rules
対立するアイデア: 'Conversely' と 'By Contrast' の使用
### Overview B2レベルの学習者、特に複雑な議論を展開し、正確で洗練された表現を目指す皆さんにとって、「`conversely`」と「...
強調と訂正のための「As a Matter of Fact」の使用法
Overview 本当は専門家なのに、誰かに初心者だと思われたことはありませんか？ 例えば、友達があなたは辛い食べ物が嫌いだと思...
要約する: 'In Sum' & 'To Recapitulate'
### Overview 英語学習の階段を上り詰め、C1レベル（上級）に到達した皆さんが次に目指すべきは、単に「意味が通じる」ことでは...
Conjunctions: And, But, Or, So, Because
## Conjunctions: And, But, Or, So, Because Conjunctions are **joining words** that connect two ideas. ### And — adds i...
考えを順序立てる：それから、次に、最後に (Then, Next, Finally)
Overview WhatsAppで友達に最高の焼きチーズサンドイッチの作り方を説明しようとして、結局焦げたパンができてしまったことはあ...
