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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'between' or 'among' with 间 (jiān)

    Connecting Ideas
    Location & Position

    Structure

    Noun A + 和/与 + Noun B + 间

    Explanation

    The word 间 (jiān) means "between" or "among" and is placed after two or more nouns to indicate the space or relationship connecting them. It is a versatile word used in both physical and abstract contexts to express the idea of being in the middle of things.

    Examples

    • 朋友间应该坦诚相待,互相信任。

      péng yǒu jiān yīng gāi tǎn chéng xiāng dài, hù xiāng xìn rèn.

      Friends should be honest with each other and trust one another.

    • 两国间的贸易合作越来越紧密了。

      liǎng guó jiān de mào yì hé zuò yuè lái yuè jǐn mì le.

      Trade cooperation between the two countries is becoming increasingly close.

    • 同事间偶尔有些小矛盾是很正常的。

      tóng shì jiān ǒu ěr yǒu xiē xiǎo máo dùn shì hěn zhèng cháng de.

      It's perfectly normal for colleagues to have occasional minor conflicts.

    Expressing 'between' or 'among' with 间 (jiān) | Chinese Grammar