〜まえに
Setting up the order of events — “before A, do B”
Use じしょけい (Unit 20) + まえに to set up the time order between two actions: “Before A, B.” B happens first; A is the later reference. The verb before まえに always stays in dictionary form — even if the main clause is past or future.
ねるまえに、 ほんを よみます。
“Before sleeping, I read a book.”
ぶんけい
じしょけい + まえに marks the later action (the reference point). The main clause — what you actually do first — comes after the comma. 🔊 Tap any example to hear it.
Before doing — “Before A, B.” Time order: B happens first, A is the later reference. The verb before まえに stays in じしょけい.
かいわ
Ask “Before ~, what do you do?” with 〜まえに、なにを しますか。
にほんへ いくまえに、 なにを しますか。
Before going to Japan, what will you do?
かばんを かいます。
I'll buy a bag.
ねるまえに、 なにを のみますか。
Before sleeping, what do you drink?
おちゃを のみます。
I drink tea.
まとめクイズ
Choose the right pattern for each sentence — 〜ことが できます／ できません (can / can't) or 〜まえに (before doing). The English meaning tells you which fits.
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