「～か～ないかのうちに」- Just as... or Immediately After...
Explanation
The grammar point ～か～ないかのうちに is used to describe two actions that happen almost simultaneously, emphasizing that the second action begins before the first one is fully completed.
Grammar Pattern
| Grammar Point | Connection | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ～か～ないかのうちに | Dictionary form of verb + か + Negative form of verb + ないかのうちに | Indicates that two actions occur almost at the same time, with the nuance that the second action happens before the first one is fully completed. |
Basic Usage
～か～ないかのうちに is used to express that two actions happen almost simultaneously, with the implication that the second action starts before the first one is fully finished.
Examples
電車 に乗 るか乗 らないかのうちに、ドア が閉 まってしまった。- Densha ni noru ka noranai ka no uchi ni, doa ga shimatte shimatta.
- Just as I got on the train, the doors closed.
演奏 が終 わるか終 わらないかのうちに拍手 をした。- Ensou ga owaru ka owaranai ka no uchi ni hakushu o shita.
- Just as the performance ended, I started clapping.
ホーム に着 くか着 かないかのうちに電車 は出発 してしまった。- Hoomu ni tsuku ka tsukanai ka no uchi ni densha wa shuppatsu shite shimatta.
- Just as I arrived at the platform, the train departed.
Notes
- The two actions must happen almost simultaneously, with no significant time gap between them.
- The verb forms must match, which is crucial for constructing this grammar pattern.
Summary
～か～ないかのうちに is used to describe two actions that occur almost at the same time, emphasizing their close connection. It is suitable for both everyday conversations and written language. By comparing it with similar grammar points, you can better understand its usage and nuances.