How to use 之间、中间
A + 和 + B + 之间 / 中间; Group + 之间
之间 and 中间 overlap when identifying the space between two physical reference points. Both can follow a phrase naming those points. 中间 also names the middle of an area or sequence, and it can stand independently when the surrounding references are understood. This makes it useful for an intervening interval or a central position.
之间 normally stays linked to the things being related. It is especially useful for relationships among people or groups, and for values lying between stated limits. 中间 can also mean among in a group, but it does not automatically replace 之间 in abstract relationships. Decide whether you mean a central or intervening position, a bounded range, or the relationship connecting participants.
Examples with pinyin and English
上海在江苏省和浙江省之间 / 中间。
Shanghai is between Jiangsu Province and Zhejiang Province.
我家客厅和卧室中间是洗手间。
Our bathroom is between the bedroom and the living room.
明天早上我有两个考试， 中间有 20 分钟的休息时间。
I have two exams tomorrow morning. There is a 20 minute break in between.
客厅的中间有一个沙发。
There is a sofa in the middle of the living room.
What to remember
- 中间 can name a middle position independently.
- 之间 usually follows its reference phrase.
- Abstract relationships commonly use 之间.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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