Structure
Verb + 前に
Noun + の + 前に
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
前に 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, の is required before 前に.
- 病院の前にあるコンビニ。A convenience store in front of the hospital.
- 家に入る前に靴を脱ぐ。I take off my shoes before I enter the house.
Caution
Another similar construction to 前に is 手前に. 前に can be used for something that is in front of any location. However, 手前に may only be used when things in front of you (or someone/something else) are being described physically.- 銀行の前にあるラーメン屋。The ramen shop in front of the bank.
- 私の手前にある着物は高いです。The kimono right in front of me is expensive.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
食べる前に「いただきます」と言う。
Before eating we say 'いただきます'.
帰る前に勉強をする。
Before going home I will study.
前にここに来ました。
I've been here before.
食べる前に手を洗います。
I will wash my hands before I eat.
テレビの前に、机があります。
There is a desk in front of the TV.
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See Notes
JGram
Before and after
Tae Kim
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
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
About 2 years ago
Yeah I think that helped, thanks!
dokidokiwakuwaku
About 1 year ago
Can someone elaborate on the distinction between this point and 手前? Thank you!
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