前(まえ)に is used when describing something that is either ‘before something’ (in time), or ‘in front of something’ (a location). It is used with verbs (in their non-past form), or nouns. When used with nouns,
の is required before
前(まえ)に.
-
病院(びょういん)の前(まえ)にあるコンビニ。
A convenience store in front of the hospital.
-
家(いえ)に入(はい)る前(まえ)に靴(くつ)を脱(ぬ)ぐ。
I take off my shoes before I enter the house.
Another similar construction to
前(まえ)に is 手前(てまえ)
に.
前(まえ)に can be used for something that is in front of any location. However, 手前(てまえ)
に may only be used when things in front of you (or someone/something else) are being described physically.
-
銀行(ぎんこう)の前(まえ)にあるラーメン屋(や)。
The ramen shop in front of the bank.
-
私(わたし)の手前(てまえ)にある着物(きもの)は高(たか)いです。
The kimono right in front of me is expensive.