前夜
Meanings
1
last night; the previous night
Refers to the night before a reference point, often in narrative or formal contexts. Can be used adverbially with に.
The previous night, he stayed up late.
I finished packing the night before departure.
2
eve; night before (an event)
Used for the night before a special day, festival, or major event, such as Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve.
I went to church on Christmas Eve.
The night before the festival, the town was quiet.
Usage patterns
- 〈事〉の前夜the eve/night before an event
The night before the election, the town was quiet.
- 前夜に〈動詞〉to do something the night before
He was too nervous to sleep the night before the exam.