If you’re learning Japanese, one of the most useful grammar patterns you’ll encounter is how to talk about doing things before or after something else. In English, we say “before eating” or “after studying.” In Japanese, we use:

• 〜前まえに → before doing something
• 〜後あとで → after doing something

Let’s take a closer look at how each works and how to use them naturally.

1. ～前まえに (Before Doing Something)

Structure:

[Verb (dictionary form)] + 前まえに

This means “before doing [something]”.

Examples:

• 食たべる前まえに、手てを洗あらいます。
  → I wash my hands before eating.
• 出でかける前まえに、天気てんきをチェックします。
  → I check the weather before going out.

📝 Note: Use the dictionary form of the verb before 前まえに.

2. ～後あとで (After Doing Something)

Structure:

[Verb (ta-form)] + 後あとで

This means “after doing [something]”.

Examples:

• 食たべた後あとで、歯はをみがきます。
  → I brush my teeth after eating.
• 勉強べんきょうした後あとで、ゲームをします。
  → I play games after studying.

📝 Note: Use the ta-form of the verb before 後あとで.

🔁 Comparison:

👀 Quick Tips:

• You can also use nouns before 前まえに and 後あとで:
  • 会議かいぎの前まえに → before the meeting
  • 映画えいがの後あとで → after the movie
• You might hear ～後あと instead of ～後あとで in casual speech or writing.
  • Example: 勉強べんきょうした後あと、ゲームをした。 (after studying, I played games)

💬 Summary

Using these patterns will help you talk about your routines and plans much more naturally in Japanese. Practice with your daily life — “Before I sleep…” or “After I eat lunch…” — and you’ll remember them easily!

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