Japanese grammar
What does ～か～ないかのうちに mean? Japanese grammar N2
～か～ないかのうちに means no sooner had… than….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる + か + Vない + かのうちに Vた + か + Vない + かのうちに |
| Romaji | ka naikanouchini |
| Meaning | no sooner had… than… |
Forming it
| Same verb | 着く → 着くか着かないかのうちに |
|---|
How to use it
Two things happen almost SIMULTANEOUSLY — before it's even clear whether A has finished, B has already occurred.
- A fixed frame: REPEAT the same verb, once affirmative and once negative — 「駅に着くか着かないかのうちに、雨が降り出した」.
- The second clause must be something that already HAPPENED (た form), not used for an intention or command.
- Compared to its relatives: 「たとたん」 (sudden), 「次第」 (once A is done, B follows, with intent), 「か～ないかのうちに」 emphasizes two events overlapping in time.
Examples
駅に着くか着かないかのうちに、雨が降り出した。
No sooner had I reached the station than it began to rain.
彼はベッドに入るか入らないかのうちに、眠ってしまった。
He fell asleep the moment he got into bed.
Keep in mind
- Must repeat the same verb.
- The following clause is something that already happened.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong駅に着くか出るかのうちに、雨が降り出した。
As soon as I got to the station, it started raining.
Correct駅に着くか着かないかのうちに、雨が降り出した。
Must repeat the SAME verb, affirmative then negative.
-
Wrong家に着くか着かないかのうちに、電話しよう。
As soon as I get home, I'll make a call.
Correct家に着くか着かないかのうちに、電話が鳴った。
The second clause is something that already happened, not used for an intention.
Exam tips
- 「Vるか Vないかのうちに」 = no sooner... than...; repeats the same verb, the second clause already happened.