〜まえに
before doing ~
Show when one action happens in relation to another.
Remember it
Place two moments on a timeline and join them with 〜まえに.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜まえに」 means "before doing ~". Structure: Verb dictionary + まえに. This is a JLPT N5 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it for routines, status updates, sequences, and telling stories.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At school
Example 1勉強のまえに手を洗います。
べんきょうのまえにてをあらいます。
benkyounomaeniteoaraimasu.
I wash my hands before the study.
Everyday life
Example 2質問のまえに手を洗います。
しつもんのまえにてをあらいます。
shitsumonnomaeniteoaraimasu.
I wash my hands before the question.
Shopping & services
Example 3買い物のまえに手を洗います。
かいもののまえにてをあらいます。
kaimononomaeniteoaraimasu.
I wash my hands before the shopping.
Everyday life
Example 4洗濯のまえに手を洗います。
せんたくのまえにてをあらいます。
sentakunomaeniteoaraimasu.
I wash my hands before the laundry.
Everyday life
Example 5電話のまえに手を洗います。
でんわのまえにてをあらいます。
denwanomaeniteoaraimasu.
I wash my hands before the telephone call.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I wash my hands before the study.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜まえに.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.