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Grammar: Time and Sequence » 〜うちに

〜うちに means doing something while a condition still holds, often before the opportunity disappears.

Usage Notes

〜うちに often carries a “while you still can” feeling because the current condition may end.

〜うちは contrasts one period with another. 〜うちに emphasizes taking action during the window.

Further Reading

Related Grammar

  • While with うちは
    • Used when contrasting with another period of time.
  • During the same time with 間に
    • Used when one action takes place during another.
  • Concurrent events with ながら

Examples

Decision made during the day yesterday with 〜うちに

Learn the meaning and usage of the grammar 〜うちに in Japanese, with examples from manga.
恋に恋するユカリちゃん » Volume 5 » Page 4

Yukari and her friends have a miscommunication on whether they’ll change from their summer uniforms to their winter uniforms yet. The decision is finalized just in time, as the following day is even colder.

ユカリ:
「昨日(きのう)のうちに衣替(ころもが)えしておいて良(よ)かった。」
“I'm glad we (took the opportunity and) settled our uniform change (during) yesterday.”

Save Rei while it's foggy with 〜うちに

Learn the meaning and usage of the grammar 〜うちに in Japanese, with examples from manga.
美少女戦士セーラームーン » Volume 1 » Page 117

Jadeite captures the priestess Rei. Ami uses an ability to fill the area with fog, giving Usagi a chance to act.

亜美(あみ):
「うさぎちゃん！霧(きり)が出(で)てるうちにレイちゃんを助(たす)けて！」
“Usagi! (Take the opportunity to) rescue Rei while it's foggy!”

While I didn't see you with 〜うちに

Learn the meaning and usage of the grammar 〜うちに in Japanese, with examples from manga.
よつばと！ » Volume 1 » Page 11

Jumbo arrives to help Yotsuba and her father move into their new home.

よつば:
「しばらく見ないうちにまた大きくなった！」
“You've grown bigger since I last saw you!”
ジャンボ:
「お？どこでおぼえたそのセリフ」
“Oh? Where'd you pick up that line?”