Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Using 前に
Use dictionary form + for actions done before something.
Start with the example
。
I read a book before sleeping.
The dictionary form appears before .
Notice the variation
。
I studied before the test.
With a noun like , use before .
More detail: how to apply this
With verbs, use the dictionary form before to mean “before doing.” With nouns, use before .
The action before has not happened yet at that point in the sentence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Draw the order from or , not from which action is mentioned first.
is the main action. Buying the water comes first, and watching the movie comes later.
。
I buy water before watching the movie.
Draw the order from or , not from which action is mentioned first.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I read a book before sleeping.
The dictionary form appears before .
Vocabulary notes
- 寝る
- to sleep; to go to bed
- 前に
- before
- 読む
- to read
Compare in context
。
I studied before the test.
With a noun like , use before .
Vocabulary notes
- 前に
- before
Compare in context
。
I want to study Japanese before going to Japan.
stays in dictionary form, and carries the desire meaning.
Vocabulary notes
- 日本語
- Japanese language
Section 2 of 4
Using 後で
Using
Start with the example
。
I study after eating a meal.
shows the eating is finished before the studying starts.
Notice the variation
。
I go to the supermarket after work.
With a noun, means “after work.”
More detail: how to apply this
Use the plain past form before : , after eating.
With nouns, use : , after work.
The first event is complete relative to the following action;
the whole plan can still be in the future, as in 、.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I study after eating a meal.
shows the eating is finished before the studying starts.
。
I study after eating a meal.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I study after eating a meal.
Showing Using 後で: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I study after eating a meal.
shows the eating is finished before the studying starts.
Vocabulary notes
- ごはん
- meal; rice
- 勉強する
- to study
Preview
。
I go to the supermarket after work.
With a noun, means “after work.”
Vocabulary notes
- 仕事
- work; job
- 後で
- later; afterward
- スーパー
- supermarket
Preview
。
I go to sleep after reading a book.
marks a completed action before .
Vocabulary notes
- 後で
- later; afterward
- 寝る
- to sleep; to go to bed
Section 3 of 4
Read the time order accurately
Draw the order from or , not from which action is mentioned first.
Read the time order accurately
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
means before watching. The movie is the reference event, not the first event to happen.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Do not translate and too early.
First check the form before them.
Dictionary form usually points to an action that is still ahead, while past form shows an action that is already finished.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I buy water before watching the movie.
The speaker buys water before watching the film. sets the order; is buying water, not a ticket.
。
I buy water before watching the movie.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I buy water before watching the movie.
Showing Read the time order accurately: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
I buy water before watching the movie.
The speaker buys water before watching the film. sets the order; is buying water, not a ticket.
Vocabulary notes
- 見る
- to see; to look
- 前に
- before
- 買う
- to buy
Preview
。
I drink coffee after watching the movie.
before shows the movie is already finished before the coffee.
Vocabulary notes
- 後で
- later; afterward
- コーヒー
- coffee
- 飲む
- to drink
Preview
、。
I went home and ate a meal.
This sentence uses the -form for sequence, not or .
Vocabulary notes
- うち
- home; our place
- ごはん
- meal; rice
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
Dictionary form precedes ;
past form precedes , reversing the temporal relation.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Dictionary form precedes ; past form precedes , reversing the temporal relation.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Drink before eating / drink after eating
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.