Grammar Info

N5 Lesson 8: 3/13

(まえ)

Before, In front of

Structure

Verb + (まえ)
Noun + + (まえ)

Details

  • Part of Speech

    Expression

  • Part of Speech

    Case Marking Particle

  • Register

    Standard

  • 品詞

    表現

  • 単語の種類

    格助詞

  • 使用域

    一般

About まえに

(まえ) 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, is required before (まえ).

Caution

Another similar construction to (まえ) is 手前(てまえ). (まえ) can be used for something that is in front of any location. However, 手前(てまえ) may only be used when things in front of you (or someone/something else) are being described physically.

  • 銀行(ぎんこう)(まえ)あるラーメン()
    The ramen shop in front of the bank.
  • (わたし)手前(てまえ)ある着物(きもの)(たか)です
    The kimono right in front of me is expensive.

Examples

--:--

    ()まえに「いただきます()う。

    Before eating we say 'いただきます'.

    (かえ)まえに勉強(べんきょう)する

    Before going home I will study.

    まえにここ()ました

    I've been here before.

    ()まえに()(あら)います

    I will wash my hands before I eat.

    テレビのまえに(つくえ)があります

    There is a desk in front of the TV.

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        • Marugoto Elementary 1 (A2) Rikai

          Page 82, 138

        • みんなの日本語 I

          Page 116 [CH 18]

        • [DBJG] A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar

          Page 231

        • Genki II 2nd Edition

          Page 127

        • Genki II 1st Edition

          Page 101

        • [AIAIJ] An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese

          Page 114

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      まえに – Grammar Discussion

      Most Recent Replies (8 in total)

      • Fuga

        Fuga

        Hi there!

        Both 病院の前にあるコンビニ, and 病院の前にコンビニがある are correct, but they have a slight difference in the nuance. 病院の前にあるコンビニ has the nuance of ‘The convenience store that exists in front of the hospital’ and 病院の前にコンビニがある has the nuance of ‘A convenience store exists in front of the hospital’. I hope that helps.

      • Malox

        Malox

        Yeah I think that helped, thanks!

      • dokidokiwakuwaku

        dokidokiwakuwaku

        Can someone elaborate on the distinction between this point and 手前? Thank you!

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