JLPT N3 grammar

〜うち／ないうちmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. While A is the case, B; While A is occurring, B
  2. While A is not occurring, B

This point is also listed at N2.

How to form it

  • verb (dictionary form)/verb (nai-form)うちに
  • verb (te-form)いるうちに
  • い-adjectiveうちに
  • な-adjective (stem)な/nounのうちに

How it is used

「〜うちに」: do it while the state lasts, before it changes; 「〜ないうちに」: before something happens. 「〜ているうちに」 can also mean a change came about unnoticed while doing something.

Examples

  1. スープは熱いうちに召し上がってください。

    Eat your soup while it is hot.

  2. 暗くならないうちに、家に帰りましょう。

    Let's go home before it gets dark.

  3. 音楽を聞いているうちに、寝てしまった。

    I fell asleep while listening to music.