N5 · Structured courses

Mae Ni: Before Doing

Learn to express "before doing" with 前に. Note: the verb before 前 is always in dictionary form. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn to express "before doing" with 前に. Note: the verb before 前 is always in dictionary form.
  • Form and connection: [Verb辞书形] 前まえに
  • Nuance in real use: 前に isn't just a time marker — it implies preparation and order. The Japanese spirit of "dandori" (advance preparation) is condensed in this small grammar point.

Form and connection

[Verb辞书形] 前まえに

Core Explanation

Learn to express "before doing" with 前に. Note: the verb before 前 is always in dictionary form.

Cultural Note

前に isn't just a time marker — it implies preparation and order. The Japanese spirit of "dandori" (advance preparation) is condensed in this small grammar point.

Practical examples

I read a book before sleeping.
Please wash your hands before eating.
I studied Japanese before going to Japan.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Verb辞书形] 前まえに
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerI read a book before sleeping.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer日本にほんへ行いく前まえに日本語にほんごを勉強べんきょうしました。 ([Verb辞书形] 前まえに)

Continue learning

Dekimasu: Can, Be Able To

Learn the basic usage of できます for expressing ability and possibility. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

Ato De: After Doing

Learn to express "after doing" with 後で. The verb before must be in ta-form. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

Complete Guide to Plain Forms: Linking Ideas, Quotations, and Judgments

Learn the plain forms of nouns, adjectives, and verbs and use them to modify nouns, quote speech, express time and reasons, state plans, make judgments, and build indirect questions.