Explanation
Expresses 'while' or 'during the time' something is happening.
Formation
Verb-て form + いる + 間に
Detailed explanation
The ～ている間に grammar point is used to express that an action or event occurs during the time another action or event is happening. It is often translated to 'while' or 'during the time' in English. It is formed by combining the て-form of a verb with いる and adding 間に.
Examples
Eiga o mite iru aida ni, kare wa nete shimatta.
While watching the movie, he fell asleep.
Kodomo ga asonde iru aida ni, watashi wa ryouri o tsukurimasu.
While the children are playing, I'll cook.
Kaigi ga okonawarete iru aida ni, ame ga furihajimeta.
While the meeting was being held, it started raining.
Kare ga shigoto o shite iru aida ni, watashitachi wa kaimono ni iku.
While he is working, we'll go shopping.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.