うち

• Reading: うち
• Romaji: uchi
• Pronunciation: /ɯ.tɕi/

Meaning

Inside; within; while; among. Refers to an inner scope — of time, space, or group membership.

A noun/adverb with broad usage: (1) 'inside, within' for physical space; (2) 'while, during' for time (うちに = while/before something changes); (3) 'among' for groups. The kanji 内 is used in formal writing but hiragana is standard in everyday contexts. Not to be confused with うち meaning 'home.'

Examples

1. 暑いうちにアイスクリームを食べましょう。 Let's eat the ice cream while it's still hot out.
2. 三人のうち一人が日本人です。 One out of the three is Japanese.
3. 若いうちにたくさん旅行したいです。 I want to travel a lot while I'm still young.

Usage Guide

Context: time expressions, groups, scope

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese うち (uchi), meaning 'interior' or 'within.' The kanji 内 depicts an entrance (入) inside an enclosed area (冂), representing the concept of inside or interior.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal