Kotomora
JLPT N5Construction
Furigana

まえBefore

まえ places one action earlier than another event or time: do B before A happens.

The three basic patterns

The event before まえ is the reference point. The action later in the sentence happens earlier than that reference event.

いえまえまどめます。

I close the windows before leaving home.

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かいまえうけつけまえいてください。

Please write your name at reception before the meeting.

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しゅっぱつまえ、もういちきっかくにんしました。

I checked my ticket once more before departure.

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しゅっぱつまえ is a common compact event expression without .

Sequence or deadline?

まえ simply puts one action earlier than another event. までに sets a deadline and requires completion no later than that time.

けんまえしょかんべんきょうします。

I will study at the library before the exam.

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きんようまでにもうしこみしょしてください。

Please submit the application form by Friday.

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Here the form must be submitted by a cutoff, so the deadline expression is required.

More examples

しょくまえあらいましょう。

Let's wash our hands before the meal.

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えいはじまるまえせきすわりました。

I sat down before the movie started.

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りょこうまえあたらしいくついました。

I bought new shoes before the trip.

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しゅうしんまえ、スマートフォンのでんげんります。

I turn off my smartphone before going to sleep.

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あめまえせんたくものなかれました。

I brought the laundry inside before it rained.

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めんせつまえしつもんへのこたえをれんしゅうしました。

I practiced my answers to questions before the interview.

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まえすこほんみます。

I read a little before going to bed.

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