2 Japanese words read mae
mae (まえ) is shared by 2 distinct words, each with its own kanji and meaning. Jump to: 前 · ～前.
前
まえBefore, in front, ahead
N5noun·mae
How to remember it
Picture someone standing “before” you — both ahead in space and earlier in time.
Example sentences
駅の前にコンビニがあります。
えきのまえにこんびにがあります。
There is a convenience store in front of the station.
ご飯の前に手を洗います。
ごはんのまえにてをあらいます。
I wash my hands before meals.
Usage
Use Nの前に for spatial “in front of”; Nの前に for temporal “before N.”
Related words
後ろ後間
～前
～まえIn front of, before
N5suffix·mae
How to remember it
Attach 前 to a place to mean “in front of it”; to a duration to mean “ago.”
Example sentences
店の前に人がたくさんいます。
みせのまえにひとがたくさんいます。
There are many people in front of the store.
学校の前で友達に会いました。
がっこうのまえでともだちにあいました。
I met a friend in front of the school.
Usage
Takes の (Nの前); with time spans means “ago” (一時間前 = one hour ago).
Related words
前後ろ隣中