前
[ma̠e̞]
The Japanese word for "before" is 前.
前 is used to refer to a time in advance of a specific event or point in time. It can also function as a noun meaning "the front" in a spatial sense. When using it to mean "the front" to describe a noun, it is typically paired with the particle の, such as in the phrase 前のドア (the front door).
Meaning: in advance of the time when (conj)
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, 前 can mean either "before" in terms of time or "front" in terms of space.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the idea of "before doing something," use the dictionary form of a verb followed by 前に.
Did you know?
- The word 前 is used in the phrase 前向き (maemuki), which literally means 'facing forward' but is used to describe a 'positive' or 'optimistic' attitude.
- The word 前 is a combination of the ancient words for 'eye' and 'direction', essentially meaning 'in front of one's eyes'.
- The word 前 can be used as a prefix to create titles for former officials, such as 前大統領 for 'former president'.
Examples in context
- ７時前にね。See you a little before 7.This sentence demonstrates how to use 前 to refer to a time slightly before 7:00.Tatoeba #234964 by e4zh1nmcz, translation #72341 by Zifre
- 前にもあったよ。It happened before.This sentence shows the use of 前 to indicate that something happened previously.Tatoeba #9795447 by small_snow, translation #2248726 by CK
- 郵便は昼前に来る。The mail arrives before noon.This sentence illustrates using 前 to specify a time before noon.Tatoeba #79184 by small_snow, translation #492877 by Swift
- 私は会議の前に資料を準備します。I will prepare the materials before the meeting.
- テストの前にちゃんと勉強しないといけないよ。You have to study properly before the test.
- 691 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiroto and Misaki are talking about a meeting.
- 大翔 Hiroto１０時前にここに来てね。Jū-ji mae ni koko ni kite ne.Please come here before 10 o'clock.
- 美咲 Misakiわかった。準備しておくよ。Wakatta. Junbi shite oku yo.Got it. I'll get ready.
- 大翔 Hiroto資料は会議の前に読んでね。Shiryō wa kaigi no mae ni yonde ne.Please read the documents before the meeting.
- 美咲 Misaki了解。もう読んでるよ。Ryōkai. Mō yonde iru yo.Roger. I'm already reading them.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 前, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 前, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
