Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N3 · Intermediate 2
change during an activity
Use 「〜ているうちに」 for a natural change that happens while an activity or state continues.
The conversation keeps going. How do their expressions change? Notice how the nervousness gradually fades as they chat.
「Vているうちに」 first names an ongoing action, then describes a change that happens during it.
Use this pattern when feelings, understanding, or something else changes naturally while an action or state continues.
「だんだん」 and 「少しずつ」 emphasize gradual change and are often used with 「うちに」.
In the two examples, talking and listening are still ongoing. The nervousness fades and understanding grows during that time.
The examples focus on changes that happen naturally. They do not set out a planned result or give someone a command.
At exactly what moment did the nervousness fade, or the words become understandable? These sentences do not specify when the change occurred.
As we were talking, my nervousness gradually disappeared.
Even words I didn't understand at first, I gradually came to understand little by little as I listened to them.
I was worried about whether you would be able to keep a conversation going with the elderly person, but did it go well?
Yes, at first I was afraid of silence, but as I listened to them while nodding, I gradually began to enjoy the conversation.
That is wonderful. I'm really glad to hear that you both seemed to be able to open up to each other.
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
As I listened to the other person talk about their work experience, the prejudice I once had gradually disappeared.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
話している____、だんだん緊張がなくなりました。
As we kept talking, my nervousness gradually went away.
