〜まえに

Used to say "before doing something" or "before something": verb dictionary form + まえに, or noun + の + まえに.

The easiest place to slip up: the verb before まえに is ALWAYS in the dictionary form, even when the whole sentence is in the past — 来る前に勉強しました, never 来た前に.

With words for lengths of time, attach directly without の: 三年前 — three years ago.

Examples

• 寝(ね)る前(まえ)に、本(ほん)を読(よ)みます。

  Before going to bed, I read books.

• 日本(にほん)へ来(く)る前(まえ)に、日本語(にほんご)を勉強(べんきょう)しました。

  Before coming to Japan, I studied Japanese.

• 食事(しょくじ)の前(まえ)に、手(て)を洗(あら)います。

  Before meals, I wash my hands.

Related patterns

• 〜てから
• の
• Nhóm động từ & thể từ điển