During with 〜うちに
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
- How to use うちに & うちは (maggiesensei.com)
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
Grammar Explanation: During with 〜うちに
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:
- 「昨日のうちに衣替えしておいて良かった。」
- “I'm glad we (took the opportunity and) settled our uniform change (during) yesterday.”
Save Rei while it's foggy with 〜うちに
Grammar Explanation: During with 〜うちに
Jadeite captures the priestess Rei. Ami uses an ability to fill the area with fog, giving Usagi a chance to act.
- 亜美:
- 「うさぎちゃん！霧が出てるうちにレイちゃんを助けて！」
- “Usagi! (Take the opportunity to) rescue Rei while it's foggy!”
While I didn't see you with 〜うちに
Grammar Explanation: During with 〜うちに
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?”