〜うちに

Meaning

〜うちに has two main uses: (1) expressing an action that occurs during a continuous state or time period, often with negative or progressive verb forms; (2) expressing an action done before a situation changes or ends, typically requiring the negative form. It emphasizes time-sensitive actions or situations.

Formation

Examples

1. 野球の練習をしているうちに雨が降り出した。
   While I was practicing baseball, it started to rain.

2. 鉄は熱いうちに打て。
   Strike while the iron is hot.

3. 魚は新鮮なうちに食べてね。
   Eat the fish while it's still fresh.

4. 学生のうちに一生懸命夢を追いかけたほうがいいよ。
   It's better to pursue your dreams earnestly while you're a student.

5. ビザの期限が過ぎないうちに、入国管理局に行こう。
   Let's go to the immigration office before the visa expires.

Summary

• Use 〜うちに to describe actions happening during a continuous state (with progressive or negative verbs)
• Use 〜うちに with negative form to mean 'before something changes or ends'
• Common with time-sensitive situations: 'while/before + condition + action'