while doing, in the course of

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates change occurring during an action.

[Verb ている form] + うちに

話しているうちに、仲良くなった。

Hanashite iru uchi ni, nakayoku natta.

While talking, we became friends.

待っているうちに、眠くなった。

Matte iru uchi ni, nemuku natta.

While waiting, I became sleepy.

Change happens naturally during action.

～うちに

while, during, before

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

Result is often unintended.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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