Translation guide
Expresses that something happens immediately before a specific point in time or event. Common patterns include 直前に, 直前, and ～する直前に.
The learner wants to say that something happened or will happen right before a specific event or time.
Used with a verb in dictionary form to mean 'just before doing something'. This is the most common and natural pattern.
The learner wants to specify a time immediately preceding a clock time or time expression.
Used with a time expression to mean 'just before (a time)'.
直前 emphasizes immediacy ('just before'), while 前 is a general 'before'. Use 直前 when the timing is critical or very close.
I noticed I forgot something just before departure.
The phone rang just before I left the house.
You shouldn't drink coffee just before going to bed.
Used with a noun to mean 'just before something'. The noun is often an event or time.
He got nervous just before the exam.
It started raining just before departure.
Noun meaning 'the time just before'. Can be used as a standalone noun or in phrases like 直前に.
I panicked just before the deadline.
Adverb/noun meaning 'at the last moment' or 'barely'. Implies something happening very close to a limit, often with a sense of urgency.
I arrived at the station just before the train left.
The meeting ended just before 3 o'clock.
Simply 'before' a time. Less emphatic than 直前, but can be used with ちょっと or すぐ to mean 'just before'.
I saw him just a little while ago.
出発の前にコーヒーを飲んだ。
I drank coffee before departure.