전에
jeone
In Korean, 'before' can be expressed as 전에 (jeone).
전에 is used as a conjunction meaning 'in advance of the time when'. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'at an earlier time' or as a preposition meaning 'earlier than'.
Meaning: in advance of the time when (conj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 전에 is composed of the noun 전, which means 'before' or 'front' and the particle 에, which means 'at' or 'in'.
Which one should you use?
While 전에 is a general term for 'before', 이전에 is a more formal or specific way to say 'previously' or 'in the past'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used to mean 'before' in a temporal sense, 전에 is typically placed after a noun or a verb phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
jeone
Did you know?
- In Korean, the concept of 'before' in time and 'in front of' in space are expressed using the same root 전. This reflects a linguistic view where time is perceived as a spatial dimension.
- Because 전 is derived from a Hanja character, it is used in formal titles such as 전 대통령, which means 'former president'.
- While 전에 is common, in very casual speech among friends, the particle 에 is often dropped, leaving just 전 to function as 'before'.
Examples in context
- 전에 만났던 것 기억해요.I remember seeing you before.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of 전에 to describe a past encounter.Tatoeba #7792880 by HappyMidnight, translation #255977 by CK
- 톰은 전에 호주에서 살았지?Tom lived in Australia before, right?This sentence shows how to use 전에 when discussing past living arrangements.Tatoeba #8362140 by Eunhee, translation #7159443 by CK
- 그 남자를 전에 본 적이 있어?Have you seen him before?This sentence demonstrates how to ask about a past experience using 전에.Tatoeba #11104613 by intertime, translation #2223766 by Hybrid
- 저는 미팅에 가기 전에 밥을 먹었어요.I ate before going to the meeting.
- 시험을 보기 전에 공부를 많이 했습니다.I studied a lot before taking the exam.
- 오늘 파티 가기 전에 볼 영화 추천 좀 해 줄래?Could you recommend a movie to watch before the party today?
- 이 신발 사기 전에 신어 봐야 돼.You should try them on before buying these shoes.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are discussing a meeting time.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo우리 6시 전에 만날까요?uri yeoseot-si jeone mannalkkayo?Shall we meet before 6 o'clock?
- 민지 Min-ji네, 좋아요. 저는 괜찮아요.ne, joayo. jeoneun gwaenchannayo.Yes, that sounds good. I'm fine with that.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo그럼 5시 전에 연락할게요.geureom daseot-si jeone yeonrak-halgeyo.Then I will contact you before 5 o'clock.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 현우 씨. 그때 봐요.ne, Hyunwoo ssi. geuttae bwayo.Yes, Hyunwoo. See you then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
