JLPT N5Construction
Furigana
前にBefore
前に places one action earlier than another event or time: do B before A happens.
The three basic patterns
The event before 前に is the reference point. The action later in the sentence happens earlier than that reference event.
Sequence or deadline?
前に simply puts one action earlier than another event. までに sets a deadline and requires completion no later than that time.
More examples
食事の前に、手を洗いましょう。
Let's wash our hands before the meal.
Analyze映画が始まる前に、席に座りました。
I sat down before the movie started.
Analyze旅行の前に、新しい靴を買いました。
I bought new shoes before the trip.
Analyze就寝前に、スマートフォンの電源を切ります。
I turn off my smartphone before going to sleep.
Analyze雨が降る前に、洗濯物を中に入れました。
I brought the laundry inside before it rained.
Analyze面接の前に、質問への答えを練習しました。
I practiced my answers to questions before the interview.
Analyze寝る前に、少し本を読みます。
I read a little before going to bed.
Analyze