Japanese by Example
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While with 〜うちは

Grammar: Time and Sequence » 〜うちは

うちは refers to a period of time in contrast to some other period of time. The contrasting period of time is represented by the modifier in front of うちは.

Further Reading

Related Grammar

  • During with うちに
    • Used when refering to a period of time, especially when taking advantage of an opportunity.
  • During the same time with 間に
    • Used when one action takes place during another.
  • Concurrent events with ながら

Examples

When you're small with 〜うちは

ふらいんぐうぃっち » Volume 5 » Page 49

During a visit with Anzu’s family, Makoto receives a request to babysit for another witch. Things are fine at first, but after a while, rain begins to pour inside. Anzu’s mother realizes that the child they’re watching over has rain magic.

杏子(あんず)の母(はは):
「小さいうちはコントロールできないんだろうね。不安になると今みたいに降らせちゃうんだね」
“You don't have control while you're small, right? When he's uneasy, it pours like just now.”
真琴(まこと):
「なるほど。そうですよね。いきなり知らない所じゃ心細いですよ。我慢してたんですね」
“I see. So that's it. It's a little scary suddenly being in a place you don't know. You've been patient, haven't you?”

Here, うちは is contrasting when one is a child, versus when they are older and more in control of their magic.

See Also