When and how to use the Telugu words such as వచ్చేలోపు (Vacchaelopu), చూసేలోపు (Choosaelopu) (by the time …..)

The word ‘lopu’ (లోపు) means “by the time.” It is generally followed by a verb. For example, Vacchelopu(వచ్చేలోపు) means by the time of coming or reaching, and choosaelopu(చూసేలోపు) means by the time of seeing of looking. ‘In the meantime’ (ఈ లోపు) (Eelopu) can also be used wherever it is relevant.

Example sentences:

She returned to her home by the time I arrived. – నేను వచ్చేలోపు ఆమె ఇంటికి వెళ్ళిపోయింది. (Naenuvacchaelopuaameintikivellipoyindhi.)

The train had left the station by the time I reached there. – నేను స్టేషన్ కు వెళ్ళేలోపు రైలు వెళ్ళిపోయింది. (Naenustationkuvellaelopuryluvellipoyindhi.)

From the above examples, you can understand that if two actions are going to happen, one is already finished, and another one is not finished ‘lopu’ is used for the uncompleted action.