Japanese with Manga
Learning through examples in manga

Save Rei while it's foggy with 〜うちに

Grammar Explanation: During with 〜うちに

Manga panel from 美少女戦士セーラームーン showing example of Save Rei while it's foggy with 〜うちに.
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!”

Key Points

  1. 霧が出てるうちに marks a limited chance

    • 〜うちに means doing something while a condition still holds.

  2. 出てる is casual 出ている

    • 霧(きり)が出(で)ている means fog is out or present.

    • The shortened 出てる is used in casual conversation.

  3. 助けて is the action to take during that window

    • The うちに phrase sets the timing for レイちゃんを助けて.