JLPT N5 Grammar: 〜中 ~chuu

〜中

 ABOUT: 

■  中 by itself means "inside" or "in." However, when attached to a noun, it adds the meaning of "during" or "while" or "throughout." It is either pronounced as
ちゅう or じゅう. There appears to be no set rule for when to use either pronunciation. Learn a few examples by heart.

HOW to use:

■ Add to nouns or phrases to indicate duration or coverage.

EXAMPLES:

彼(かれ)は、一日(いちにち)中(じゅう)、テレビを見(み)ました。
He watched TV all day long.
[throughout]

仕事(しごと)中(ちゅう)なので、彼(かれ)は外(そと)に出(で)られません。
He is working, therefore he cannot leave.
[work-during-therefore-he-outside-cannot leave]
[during]

来週(らいしゅう)中(ちゅう)に、宿題(しゅくだい)をすませましょう。
Sometime in the next week, let's finish the homework.
[next week-during-homework-let's finish]
[during a future time]