Point 1L1_G1
1. ～うちに (While / Before...)
Sentence Pattern
N の / V る / V ている / V ない / Aい / Aな + うちに
A) “While / before...” Do (2) while state (1) still continues, before the situation changes. Clause (2) is usually intentional.
B) “While...” During the continuation of (1), a change or result (2) gradually or naturally occurs. Clause (2) is usually non-volitional.
Note: Not every use of うちに implies “you will lose the chance if you do not act now”; that nuance is strongest in use A.
Example Sentences (4)
元気なうちに、趣味を楽しみたい。
While I am still healthy, I want to enjoy my hobbies.
忘れないうちに、この大切な情報をメモしておこう。
Before I forget, let's jot down this important information.
練習をしているうちに、だんだん難しい曲も弾けるようになった。
While practicing, I gradually became able to play difficult songs as well.
長い時間話しているうちに、外はいつの間にか暗くなっていた。
While talking for a long time, it had gotten dark outside before we knew it.
Point 2L1_G2
2. ～間 (あいだ) / ～間に (あいだに)
Sentence Pattern
V ている + 間 + V る / V ている / V ない
V ている + 間に + V
V ている + 間に + V
📌 Difference between うちに / 間 / 間に
間: Focuses on the whole duration of (1); state/action (2) continues during that period.
間に: (2) occurs at some point or within part of period (1); it does not have to be a strictly “momentary verb”.
うちに: Can mean taking the opportunity while a state lasts, or describe a change that arises during that process.
間に: (2) occurs at some point or within part of period (1); it does not have to be a strictly “momentary verb”.
うちに: Can mean taking the opportunity while a state lasts, or describe a change that arises during that process.
Example Sentences (4)
息子が留守の間、庭の草取りをしていた。
While my son was away, I was weeding the garden.
夏休みの間、私はずっとバイトをしていた。
During the summer vacation, I worked part-time continuously.
彼女がお茶を入れている間に、メールをチェックした。
While she was making tea, I checked my email.
バスを待っている間に、財布を落としてしまった。
While waiting for the bus, I dropped my wallet.
Point 3L1_G3
3. ～てからでないと / ～てからでなければ
Sentence Pattern
V てから + でないと / でなければ
"Only after doing (1) can (2) happen" / "Unless (1) is done, (2) cannot be done".
Clause (2) usually expresses a negative meaning or difficulty.
Example Sentences (2)
社長の承認を得てからでないと、計画を実行できません。
We cannot execute the plan unless we get the president's approval first.
十分に休養を取ってからでなければ、仕事に戻るのは無理だ。
Returning to work is impossible unless you take sufficient rest first.
Point 4L1_G4
4. ～ところだ / ところ＋助詞 (Particles)
Sentence Pattern
V (dictionary form / ている / た-form) + ところだ・ところ（+ particle）
Shows the exact stage of an action.
① Vる + ところだ: be just about to do V.
② Vている + ところだ: be right in the middle of doing V.
③ Vた + ところだ: have just done V.
④ Vていた + ところだ: was right in the middle of doing V at that time.
With particles: ～ところに / ～ところへ = just when... another event comes/occurs; ～ところを = while/right when... one is caught, interrupted, helped, etc.
Note: Vたところで is normally a different pattern meaning “even if...”, not “just after doing...”.
Note: Vたところで is normally a different pattern meaning “even if...”, not “just after doing...”.
Example Sentences (6)
今帰ってきたところだ。
I have just returned home. (V-ta)
ロケットは間もなく飛び立つところだ。緊張の瞬間だ。
The rocket is just about to take off. It's a tense moment. (V-dictionary)
いい時に電話をくれた。私もちょうど電話しようと思っていたところなんだ。
You called at a good time. I was just about to call you too. (V-te ita)
友人と楽しく話しているところに、知らない人が声をかけてきた。
Just as I was having a pleasant conversation with a friend, a stranger talked to us. (ところに)
会社から機密書類を持ち出しているところを警備員に見つかった。
I was caught by the security guard in the middle of taking confidential documents out of the company. (ところを)
試験中、隣の人の答えを見ているところを先生に注意された。
During the exam, I was warned by the teacher while I was looking at the next person's answers. (ところを)
