うちに
Frequent Usages
Meaning and Usage
The grammar point "うちに" is often translated as "while" or "before." It is used to express doing something while a particular condition or state is true, or before that state changes. It emphasizes taking action before an opportunity is missed. Depending on context, "うちに" can convey an element of urgency, suggesting that action should be taken while the current conditions are favorable.
Form
- Verb (dictionary form) + うちに
- Verb (ない-form) + うちに
- い-Adjective + うちに
- Noun + の + うちに
Examples
- 行かないうちに、準備をしよう
いかないうちに、じゅんびをしよう
Before we leave, let's prepare. - 暗くならないうちに帰りましょう
くらくならないうちにかえりましょう
Let's go back before it gets dark. - 忘れないうちにメモしておきます
わすれないうちにメモしておきます
I'll make a note before I forget.
When to Use It
"うちに" is used when an action should be taken before a certain state or condition changes. This could mean taking advantage of a limited timeframe, acting before conditions deteriorate, or doing something while a state or opportunity still exists. This grammar point is especially common for time-sensitive activities, such as doing something "before forgetting" or "while young."
- Use "うちに" to emphasize that something should be done while the current state lasts.
- Use "うちに" to highlight actions that need to be done before the possibility disappears.
Situational Examples
- 若いうちにたくさん旅行したい
わかいうちにたくさんりょこうしたい
I want to travel a lot while I'm young. - 熱いうちに食べてください
あついうちにたべてください
Please eat it while it's hot.
Examples for Each Conjugation Form
- Verb (dictionary form) + うちに: 忘れないうちに書いておく
わすれないうちにかいておく
I'll write it down before I forget. - Verb (ない-form) + うちに: 降らないうちに帰ろう
ふらないうちにかえろう
Let's go back before it rains. - い-Adjective + うちに: 若いうちに経験を積みたい
わかいうちにけいけんをつみたい
I want to gain experience while I'm young. - Noun + の + うちに: 休みのうちに掃除をしておく
やすみのうちにそうじをしておく
I'll clean up during the break.
Improper Usage
Using "うちに" in situations where the timeframe or conditions are not changing or not critical can sound unnatural. For example, using it with general statements that do not imply a specific or urgent timeframe may not convey the intended meaning. Avoid using "うちに" for situations where there is no urgency or clear change in condition.
Key Points to Remember
- "うちに" emphasizes a limited timeframe or temporary condition.
- Use it to highlight actions that should be taken before the opportunity is lost.
- It often suggests a proactive approach, taking advantage of a situation before it changes.
Formality
"うちに" is used in both casual and formal settings. It can be applied in spoken language or written form without sounding overly formal. In very polite speech, use a similar structure with a polite verb form as needed (e.g., 忘れないうちにメモしておきます).
Example Sentences
- 家を出るうちに傘を忘れないように
いえをでるうちにかさをわすれないように
Be careful not to forget your umbrella before you leave the house. - 映画が終わらないうちに帰りたい
えいががおわらないうちにかえりたい
I want to go back before the movie ends. - 元気なうちに山登りを楽しんでください
げんきなうちにやまのぼりをたのしんでください
Please enjoy hiking while you are still healthy.
