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Easy Korean - Level 3, Unit 10: Before -ing (-기 전에)

In this unit, we will learn how to say "before doing something."

The word for "before" in Korean is 전 (jeon). When used with a location particle, it becomes 전에 (jeon-e), meaning "before (a certain time or action)."

1. Noun + 전에 (Before a Noun)

When you want to say "before a noun" (like before a meal, before class, before 3 o'clock), you simply attach 전에 directly to the noun.

  • 수업 (class) + 전에 = 수업 전에 (before class)
  • 식사 (meal) + 전에 = 식사 전에 (before a meal)
  • 1년 (1 year) + 전에 = 1년 전에 (1 year ago / before 1 year)

2. Verb + -기 전에 (Before doing something)

When you want to use a verb, you cannot just attach 전에. You have to turn the verb into a noun form first. You do this by attaching -기 (-gi) to the verb stem.

Structure: Verb Stem + -기 전에

  • 가다 (to go) -> 가 + 기 전에 = 가기 전에 (before going)
  • 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹 + 기 전에 = 먹기 전에 (before eating)
  • 자다 (to sleep) -> 자 + 기 전에 = 자기 전에 (before sleeping)

Tense

Just like with other conjunctions, the tense is usually placed on the final verb of the sentence, not on the verb before -기 전에.

  • 한국에 오기 전에 한국어를 공부했어요. (Before I came to Korea, I studied Korean.) (Not 왔기 전에. Just use the stem 오-)

Example Sentences

  1. 자기 전에 양치질을 해요. (I brush my teeth before sleeping.)
  2. 회의 전에 커피를 마셨어요. (I drank coffee before the meeting.)
  3. 집에 가기 전에 마트에 갈 거예요. (I am going to the supermarket before going home.)
  4. 밥 먹기 전에 손을 씻으세요. (Please wash your hands before eating.)