JLPT N4 reference · Clauses and connections
Before and after
The verb before 前 stays non-past even when the whole sentence is past.
Core meaning and form
Use dictionary form + 前に for before an action and past form + 後で for after an action; nouns take の. 後で presents a sequence, while 後に can sound more temporal or formal depending on context.
- Form: Use dictionary form + 前に for before an action and past form + 後で for after an action; nouns take の.
- Core use: The verb before 前 stays non-past even when the whole sentence is past.
- Context: 後で presents a sequence, while 後に can sound more temporal or formal depending on context.
Examples in context
寝る前に歯を磨きます。Neru mae ni ha o migakimasu.I brush my teeth before sleeping.
食べた後で、散歩しました。Tabeta ato de, sanpo shimashita.After eating, I took a walk.
授業の前に復習しました。Jugyō no mae ni fukushū shimashita.I reviewed before class.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Use dictionary form + 前に for before an action and past form + 後で for after an action; nouns take の.
- The verb before 前 stays non-past even when the whole sentence is past.
- 後で presents a sequence, while 後に can sound more temporal or formal depending on context.