Japanese

まえ
Meaning: in front of; before; ago
Part of Speech: Noun

Listen to pronunciation

Example sentences

学校の前で友達と会った
I met friends in front of the school.
開店前から、店の前には多くの人が並んでいた。
Many people were lining up in front of the store even before it opened.
食事の前に、必ず石鹸で手を洗ってください。
Before meals, always wash your hands with soap.
必死に走って、ようやく前の車に追いついた。
I ran desperately and finally caught up with the car in front.
彼は大勢の前で堂々と意見を述べた。
He expressed his opinion dignifiedly in front of a large crowd.

Usage Notes

前 (まえ) has multiple meanings: spatially 'in front of/before,' temporally 'before/ago,' and can refer to the past or previous state. As a suffix, it indicates portions or servings. Contrast with 後 (あと/うしろ) for 'after/behind.'

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