Japanese grammar

What does ～まえに mean? Japanese grammar N5

～まえに means before ~.

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N5
Structure	V(辞書形) + まえに N + の + まえに
Romaji	~ mae ni
Meaning	before ~

How to use it

Action B happens before action/moment A.

With a VERB, use the DICTIONARY form (not past) — even when the whole sentence is in the past: 「寝る前に本を読みました。」
With a NOUN, you must add の: 食事のまえに.
This is counter-intuitive: even though the event already happened, the verb before まえに stays in the dictionary form.

Examples

寝(ね)る前(まえ)に本(ほん)を読(よ)みます。
I read a book before going to bed.
食事(しょくじ)の前(まえ)に手(て)を洗(あら)います。
I wash my hands before meals.

Common mistakes

Wrong寝(ね)た前(まえ)に本(ほん)を読(よ)みました。

Correct寝(ね)る前(まえ)に本(ほん)を読(よ)みました。

Before まえに is always the DICTIONARY form, even when the sentence is in the past.

Exam tips

Classic trap: 寝る前 (correct) vs 寝た前 (wrong).

Related patterns

All N5 grammar →