Express that an action happens beforehand.
The rule
Word in dictionary form + まえに means "before making". With a noun, use noun + のまえに.
Examples
ねるまえに、ほんをよみます。
I read a book before I sleep.
しょくじのまえに、てをあらいます。
I wash my hands before dinner.
Remember
- Dictionary verb + まえに; noun + のまえに.
- Express that an action happens beforehand.
Common mistake
Always use the past before まえに: for "before sleeping", it's ねるまえに.