Japanese with Manga

While with

Grammar: Time and Sequence » 〜うちは

〜うちは frames a condition as true during one period and implies that things may change after it ends: “while” or “as long as”.

Usage Notes

〜うちは frames a condition as true only during a certain period. It implies that things may change once that period ends.

It is used for contrasts like “while I’m a student”, “while it’s still bright”, or “as long as this condition holds”.

Further Reading

Related Grammar

  • During with うちに
    • Used when referring to a period of time, especially when taking advantage of an opportunity.
  • During the same time with 間に
    • Used when one action takes place during another.
  • Concurrent events with ながら

Examples

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When you're small with 〜うちは

Grammar Explanation: While with 〜うちは

Manga panel from ふらいんぐうぃっち showing example of When you're small with 〜うちは.
ふらいんぐうぃっち » Volume 5 » Page 49

During a visit with Anzu’s family, Makoto receives a request to babysit for another witch. Things are fine at first, but after a while, rain begins to pour inside. Anzu’s mother realizes that the child they’re watching over has rain magic.

杏子(あんず)の母(はは):
「小(ちい)さいうちはコントロールできないんだろうね。不安(ふあん)になると今(いま)みたいに降(ふ)らせちゃうんだね」
“You don't have control while you're small, right? When he's uneasy, it pours like just now.”
真琴(まこと):
「なるほど。そうですよね。いきなり知(し)らない所(ところ)じゃ心細(こころぼそ)いですよ。我慢(がまん)してたんですね」
“I see. So that's it. It's a little scary suddenly being in a place you don't know. You've been patient, haven't you?”