Japanese with 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.
  • ちゃん is an affectionate, informal suffix attached to names, used mainly for children, close friends, and family members.

See Also

  • External: Marking the direct object with を
美少女戦士セーラームーン © its respective creators. It is used here for educational commentary.