BackGrammar JLPT Level N3 - Lesson 2
Structure of ない内(うち)に:
Verb［ない］+ うちに + Phrase
Details about ない内(うち)に:
In contrast to うちに, which is often used to express the 'optimal', or 'best' time within which something should occur, ないうちに expresses the time within which something 'does not' occur, and results in (or causes) something negative, or will cause something negative if not dealt with. This means that 'before (A) happens (B)', or 'without (A) happening, (B).
うちに will be paired with verbs in their ない (negative) form, before the (B) phrase highlights something that 'is done to prevent (A) from happening', or 'happened unfortunately during (A)'.
うちに will be paired with verbs in their ない (negative) form, before the (B) phrase highlights something that 'is done to prevent (A) from happening', or 'happened unfortunately during (A)'.
- こうき君、全然会わないうちに、凄く大きくなったね！Kouki-kun, you have grown so much during the time we haven't met. (Since the last time I saw you)
- また電話をかけ忘れるところだった。忘れないうちに電話しておかなきゃ。I was just about to forget to make a phone call again. I should call before I forget.
ない内(うち)に
Usage Notes for ない内(うち)に:
Synonyms for ない内(うち)に:
まえに
Before, In front of
うちに
While, During
Example of ない内(うち)に
気づかないうちに、列車が出発してしまっていた。
Without realizing it, the train had started to depart (without me).
私が知らないうちに、友達が離婚していた。
Before I knew it, my friend was divorced.
まだ親しくならないうちに、同僚が辞めてしまった。
Before we became close, my co-worker quit.
暗くならないうちに帰って来なさいよ。
Come back home before it gets dark.
飽きられないうちに、新商品を出した方がいいな。
I think we should introduce a new product before the people lose interest.
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