前に

N5

前に

mae ni

前に (before)

N5

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Explanation

前に means “before.” It is used to say that one action happens earlier than another action or time. You can use it with nouns (like time words) or verbs. Key points: • Noun + の + 前に: 授業の前に • Verb (dictionary form) + 前に: 食べる前に • It marks the action or time that comes earlier • Common in daily routines Example: “寝る前に本を読みます” means “I read a book before sleeping.” “授業の前に勉強します” means “I study before class.” When using verbs, use the dictionary form (not ます). When using a noun, add の before 前に. This pattern helps you talk about order and routine. It pairs well with basic verbs like 行く, 食べる, and 勉強する. Practice by describing your day: 朝ご飯を食べる前にシャワーを浴びます. These are simple, natural sentences for beginners.

Structure

Pattern
(Noun + の / Verb dictionary) + 前に + Action
Noun + の / VerbThe time or action that comes earlier
Examples: 授業の, 寝る, 出かける
前にBefore
Examples: 前に
ActionMain action
Examples: 勉強します, 本を読みます, 歯をみがきます

Examples

Example 1
寝る前に本を読みます。
Neru mae ni hon o yomimasu.
I read a book before sleeping.
Breakdown
寝るsleep (dictionary form)
前にbefore
book
object marker
読みますread
Note: Verb + 前に
Example 2
授業の前に勉強します。
Jugyou no mae ni benkyou shimasu.
I study before class.
Breakdown
授業class
of
前にbefore
勉強しますstudy
Note: Noun + の + 前に
Example 3
出かける前に電話します。
Dekakeru mae ni denwa shimasu.
I call before going out.
Breakdown
出かけるgo out
前にbefore
電話しますcall
Note: Order of actions
Example 4
ご飯の前に手を洗います。
Gohan no mae ni te o araimasu.
I wash my hands before meals.
Breakdown
ご飯meal
of
前にbefore
hands
object marker
洗いますwash
Note: Noun + の + 前に

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