Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N5 · Beginner 2
〜前に~mae ni
before doing something
Use「〜前に」after a verb in dictionary form to say what to do or avoid before that action.
How it works
What should you do before bed? Look at the medicine and bed in the picture and find the action the doctor reminds you to do.
「寝る前に」 means “before sleeping.” Sleep is mentioned first in the sentence, but taking medicine happens first.
Use the dictionary form before 「前に」, such as 「寝る」 or 「入る」. Do not use 「寝ます」.
「前に」 also works for reminders before a medical test. What follows can say what to do or what not to do.
In the numbered-ticket example, you have not entered the examination room when you take the ticket. Take it first, then go in.
Example sentences
- 寝るneru前maeに、ni薬kusuriをo飲んnonでdeください。kudasai
please take your medicine before going to bed.
In a conversation
- Aいつ薬を飲めばいいですか。
A: When should I take the medicine?
- B寝る前に飲んでください。
B: Please take it before going to sleep.
Check yourself
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
Please take your temperature before taking a bath.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
診察 問診票に名前を書いてください。
Please write your name on the medical questionnaire before the consultation.
More grammar in this theme
- 〜前にbefore doing something
