N35/219

うちに

Verb (dictionary form) + うちにい Adj (い) + うちにな Adj + な + うちにNoun + の + うちに

Meanings

During the period of / while
Before something changes or happens
Within the time when ... happens

About this pattern

Explanation

うちに expresses that something happens or changes before a situation changes or before a consideration ends. It emphasizes taking action or experiencing something within a certain period or while a state holds. It is often used to highlight a window of opportunity or a change that occurs naturally as the period passes.

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Example sentences

雨が降らないうちに洗濯を済ませよう。

Let's finish the laundry before it starts raining.

若いうちに海外で暮らしたい。

I want to live abroad while I’m still young.

桜が散らないうちに写真を撮っておこう。

Let's take photos while the cherry blossoms are still blooming.

子どものうちに英語を身につけたい。

I want to acquire English while I’m a child / while I’m still a kid.

この本は元気なうちに読んでしまおう。

Let's read this book while we’re still energetic.

Related patterns

It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X

たらいい・といい

It would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...

during; while; throughout; in the process of

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More N3 patterns

It would be good if you do X; You should do X; It's enough to do X

たらいい・といい

It would be nice if ...; It would be good if ...; Should ...; I hope ...

during; while; throughout; in the process of

while; during; between; in the period of

ないうちに

before it happens; before doing something becomes true; before it ends/advances; before it’s no longer possible; while still in the state of not ...

Must; Should; Ought to