When learning Japanese, understanding how to express “before” and “after” is essential for daily conversations. Whether you’re talking about events, schedules, or actions, knowing the correct expressions will help you communicate more naturally. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to use “before” and “after” in Japanese with clear explanations and examples.

1. Expressing “Before” in Japanese

In Japanese, “before” can be expressed using 前（まえ – mae）. It can be used for both nouns and verbs, but the structure changes slightly depending on what you’re referring to.

① Before a Noun

When referring to a time period or event before a noun, you use [noun] の前まえ.

Example:

• 食事しょくじの前まえに手てを洗あらってください。 (Shokuji no mae ni te o aratte kudasai.) → Please wash your hands before a meal.
• 授業じゅぎょうの前まえにコーヒーを飲のみます。 (Jugyoo no mae ni koohii o nomimasu.) → I drink coffee before class.

② Before an Action (Verb dictionary form + 前まえ)

When talking about an action that happens before another action, use 辞書形じしょけい (dictionary form) + 前まえに.

Example:

• 寝ねる前まえに本ほんを読よみます。 (Neru mae ni hon o yomimasu.) → I read a book before sleeping.
• 出でかける前まえに天気てんきをチェックします。 (Dekakeru mae ni tenki o chekku shimasu.) → I check the weather before going out.

2. Expressing “After” in Japanese

“After” in Japanese is commonly expressed using 後（あと – ato）. Similar to “before,” the structure changes based on whether you are referring to a noun or a verb.

① After a Noun

When referring to a time period or event after a noun, use [noun] の後あと.

Example:

• 食事しょくじの後あとでデザートを食たべます。 (Shokuji no ato de dezaato o tabemasu.) → I eat dessert after a meal.
• 授業じゅぎょうの後あとで図書館としょかんへ行いきます。 (Jugyoo no ato de toshokan e ikimasu.) → I go to the library after class.

② After an Action (Verb + 後あと)

When talking about an action that happens after another action, use た形けい (た-form) + 後あとで.

Example:

• 宿題しゅくだいをした後あとでゲームをします。 (Shukudai o shita ato de geemu o shimasu.) → I play games after doing my homework.
• 映画えいがを見みた後あとでカフェに行いきました。 (Eega o mita ato de kafe ni ikimashita.) → I went to a café after watching a movie.

4. Practice Sentences

Try translating these sentences into Japanese:

1. I brush my teeth before going to bed. →
2. After studying, I will watch TV. →
3. Let’s meet after lunch. →
4. Wash your hands before eating. →

(Answers:)

1. 寝ねる前まえに歯はを磨みがきます。
2. 勉強べんきょうした後あとでテレビを見みます。
3. 昼ひるご飯はんの後あとで会あいましょう。
4. 食たべる前まえに手てを洗あらってください。

Conclusion

Mastering 前（まえ） and 後（あと） is crucial for improving your Japanese. By practicing these sentence patterns, you’ll be able to naturally talk about sequences of events. Try using them in your daily conversations to get more comfortable!

Let us know in the comments—what’s something you always do before or after studying Japanese?

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