Grammar Info

N5 Lesson 8: 3/13

(まえ)

Before, In front of

Structure

Verb + (まえ)
Noun + + (まえ)

Details

  • Part of Speech

    Expression

  • Word Type

    Case Marking Particle

  • Register

    Standard

  • 品詞

    表現

  • 単語の種類

    格助詞

  • 使用域

    一般

About まえに

(まえ) is used when describing something that is either 'before something' (in time), or 'in front of something' (a location). It is used with verbs (in their non-past form), or nouns. When used with nouns, is required before (まえ).
  • 病院(びょういん)(まえ)コンビニ。
    A convenience store in front of the hospital.
  • (いえ)(はい)(まえ)(くつ)()
    I take off my shoes before I enter the house.
Caution
Another similar construction to (まえ) is 手前(てまえ). (まえ) can be used for something that is in front of any location. However, 手前(てまえ) may only be used when things in front of you (or someone/something else) are being described physically.
  • 銀行(ぎんこう)(まえ)あるラーメン()
    The ramen shop in front of the bank.
  • (わたし)手前(てまえ)ある着物(きもの)(たか)です
    The kimono right in front of me is expensive.

Examples

  • ()べる(まえ)「いただきます」()

    Before eating we say 'いただきます'.

  • (かえ)(まえ)勉強(べんきょう)する

    Before going home I will study.

  • (まえ)ここ()ました

    I've been here before.

  • ()べる(まえ)()(あら)います

    I will wash my hands before I eat.

  • テレビ(まえ)(つくえ)があります

    There is a desk in front of the TV.

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  • Offline

    • Marugoto Elementary 1 (A2) Rikai

      Page 82, 138

    • みんなの日本語 I

      Page 116 [CH 18]

    • [DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar

      Page 231

    • Genki II 2nd Edition

      Page 127

    • Genki II 1st Edition

      Page 101

    • [AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese

      Page 114

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まえに – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (8 in total)

  • Fuga

    Fuga

    About 2 years ago

    Hi there!

    Both 病院の前にあるコンビニ, and 病院の前にコンビニがある are correct, but they have a slight difference in the nuance. 病院の前にあるコンビニ has the nuance of ‘The convenience store that exists in front of the hospital’ and 病院の前にコンビニがある has the nuance of ‘A convenience store exists in front of the hospital’. I hope that helps.

  • Malox

    Malox

    About 2 years ago

    Yeah I think that helped, thanks!

  • dokidokiwakuwaku

    dokidokiwakuwaku

    About 1 year ago

    Can someone elaborate on the distinction between this point and 手前? Thank you!

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