～うちに (〜uchi ni)
Explanation
Express 'while', 'before', or 'during' a certain condition or situation.
Formation
Verb-てform + いる + うちに, い-Adjective + い + うちに, な-Adjective + な + うちに
Detailed Explanation
The ～うちに grammar point is used to express the idea of doing something while a certain condition or situation is still present or before it changes. It can be translated as 'while', 'before', or 'during' in English. The formation differs depending on whether it is used with a verb, い-adjective, or な-adjective.
Examples
若いうちに、いろいろな経験をしておくことが大切です。
Wakai uchi ni, iroiro na keiken wo shite oku koto ga taisetsu desu.
It is important to have various experiences while you are young.
雨が降っていないうちに、買い物に行こう。
Ame ga futte inai uchi ni, kaimono ni ikou.
Let's go shopping before it starts raining.
料理が熱いうちに食べましょう。
Ryouri ga atsui uchi ni tabemashou.
Let's eat while the food is still hot.
休みのうちに、旅行の計画を立てたいです。
Yasumi no uchi ni, ryokou no keikaku wo tatetai desu.
I want to plan a trip during the holidays.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.