Structure
Noun(1) + 以前（に）
Noun(1) (A) + 以前 + の + Noun (B)
(1) A(2) + (Antonym) A(2), Verb (A) + Verb (A)［ない］(2)
(2) ［な］Adjective、［い］Adjective
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About 以前
When used as a suffix, the noun 以前 ‘preceding’, or ‘prior to’ will indicate that a topic is being brought forward as not even fulfilling the minimum requirements of (A), and therefore is expected to be reached before that minimum. Often, this will come across as ‘before even (A)’ in English, and is used to criticize something that is thoughtless or irresponsible.
以前 will appear directly after another nouns, the dictionary form of verbs, い-Adjectives, or な-Adjectives. In most cases, 以前 will be followed by either the case-marking particle に or の, depending on whether it is being linked to a subsequent verb or noun.
The word 以前 itself is usually reserved for highlighting larger distances in the past than 前 ‘before’ by itself, and can therefore simply be thought of as an emphatic version of 前. This emphasis is often what gives rise to the tone of criticism. As it is stating that ‘way before (A), (B)’, or ‘long before you even think of (A), (B)’.
Examples
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ポイ捨ては法律いぜんの道義的な問題だ。
When it comes to littering, before even the law, it is a moral issue.
彼は、自分が女の子にモテないのはファッションがださいからだと思ってる。それは事実だけど、それいぜんの問題として、彼は性格に問題がある。
He believes that he is not popular with girls due to his bad fashion sense. While that is true, even before that, he has issues with his personality.
信じる信じないいぜんにもっと根本的な問題なんだよ。先ずどうにか彼女にこの事を伝えなきゃ。
Before whether she believes it or not, there is a more fundamental issue. To start, I must somehow convey this to her.
食べずに「ブロッコリーが嫌い」という人もいます。好き嫌いいぜんに、食べてみることが大事なのです。食べた上で、好き嫌いはご自由に。
There are even people who say 'I don't like brocolli', without having eaten it. Before being nitpicky, what's important is to try it. Upon eating it, then feel free to be fussy.
パフォーマンスいぜんの問題で、基本的な機能を実装する必要があります。
Preceding the performance issue, it is necessary to equip it with basic functionality.
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A Handbook of Japanese Grammar Patterns for Teachers and Learners
Page 37
Try N1
Page 78
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