Japanese with Manga
Learning through examples in manga

During with 〜うちに

Grammar: Time and Sequence » 〜うちに

〜うちに is used to refer to a period of time. The period of time is represented by the modifier in front of うちに. Often 〜うちに is used when taking advantage of an opportunity.

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

Manga panel from 恋に恋するユカリちゃん showing example of During with 〜うちに.
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

Manga panel from 美少女戦士セーラームーン showing example of During 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!”

While I didn't see you with 〜うちに

Manga panel from よつばと！ showing example of During with 〜うちに.
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!”
Literal: “During the time I didn't see you, you've gotten bigger!”
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?”