ないうちに
Meanings
- 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 ...
About this pattern
Explanation
ないうちに is used to take action before a certain negative state or situation occurs, or before a change happens. The clause before うちに is in its negative form (plain negative). The main idea is doing something proactively while the other situation remains true (not having done/being in that negative state yet). It often conveys a sense of urgency or anticipation, similar to "before it’s too late" or "before I forget". Note that typical kanji usage remains natural for the verb or adjective in its ない form; use with verbs is most common. The pattern is especially common when the speaker wants to prevent a future undesirable change, or simply to act before a habitual or expected change occurs.
Learn in context
Example sentences
I'll return this book before I forget.
I'll take the medicine before I start to feel sick.
Keep studying
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