JLPT N5 Grammar: ～まえに～ (mae ni)

JLPT N5 Grammar: ～まえに～ (mae ni)

Meaning: before, in front of

How to use:
V1　+ まえに、V2
N の　 + まえに、V
In case of quantifiers (time period) + まえに、V

Explain:
1. Verb case: This sentence pattern indicates that the action in verb 2 occurs before verb 1. Verb 1 is always in the infinitive whether verb 2 is in the past or future tense.

2. In the case of nouns: When using 『まえに』 after a noun, we must add の. The noun in front of it is a noun that indicates or implies an action.

3. In case of quantifiers: If it is a quantifier (time period), do not add の.

For example:
1. 私のまえに鈴木さんが座っていた。
Watashi no mae ni Suzuki-san ga suwatte ita.
Mr. Suzuki was sitting in front of me.

2. 駅のまえに大きなマンションが建った。
Eki no mae ni ōkina manshon ga tatta
In front of the station grew a large apartment building.

3. 寝る前に音楽を聞きます。
Nerumae ni ongaku o kikimasu.
Before going to bed I usually listen to music.

4. 結婚するまえに、一度ゆっくり仲間と旅行してみたい。
Kekkon suru mae ni, ichido yukkuri nakama to ryokō shite mitai.
Before I get married, I want to go on a trip with my close friends

5. 先生は１時間まえに、出かけました。
Sensei wa ichi-jikan mae ni, dekakemashita.
The teacher went out 1 hour ago