〜の前に
in front of / before
Show when one action happens in relation to another.
Remember it
Place two moments on a timeline and join them with 〜の前に.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜の前に」 means "in front of / before". Structure: Noun + の前に. 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 work
Example 1会社の前に店があります。
かいしゃのまえにみせがあります。
kaishanomaenimisegaarimasu.
There is a shop in front of the company.
Shopping & services
Example 2銀行の前に店があります。
ぎんこうのまえにみせがあります。
ginkounomaenimisegaarimasu.
There is a shop in front of the bank.
Shopping & services
Example 3公園の前に店があります。
こうえんのまえにみせがあります。
kouennomaenimisegaarimasu.
There is a shop in front of the park.
Shopping & services
Example 4町の前に店があります。
まちのまえにみせがあります。
machinomaenimisegaarimasu.
There is a shop in front of the town.
Shopping & services
Example 5レストランの前に店があります。
れすとらんのまえにみせがあります。
resutorannomaenimisegaarimasu.
There is a shop in front of the restaurant.
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
There is a shop in front of the company.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜の前に.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.