Meaning & usage
前に expresses that one event happens before another action or time point. It follows the dictionary form of a verb, as in 食べる前に, or a noun that refers to a time, as in 6時前に. The main clause describes what should be done or what happened earlier, and the verb before 前に is always in the present form even when talking about the past.
Example sentences 7
-
来る前に電話してください。
Please call me before you come.
-
６時前には来ないで。
Don't come before six o'clock.
-
あなたが出かける前にお会いしたい。
I want to see you before you go.
-
2時半前に来てください。
Please come before 2:30.
-
来る前になぜ電話をかけてくれなかったの。
Why didn't you phone before coming?
-
どうぞ入る前にノックしてください。
Please knock before you come in.
-
来る前に電話をしてください。
Please phone me before you come.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 13 past exam questions.
And 9 more tests.
