Processing keyword: ~전 [jeon] (Before)

Korean Grammar Point: ~전 [jeon] (Before)

1. Introduction

In Korean, expressing when an action occurs in relation to another is essential for clear communication. One common way to indicate that something happens before another action or event is by using the grammar point ~전 [jeon]. This lesson will explore how to correctly use ~전 to express "before" in various contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The grammar point ~전 translates to "before" in English. It's used to denote that one action or event happens prior to another.

Structure

There are two primary ways to use ~전:

1. With Verbs: Verb Stem + 기 전에
2. With Nouns: Noun + 전에

Formation Diagram

Using with Verbs

[Verb Stem] + 기 전에

Using with Nouns

[Noun] + 전에

Detailed Explanation

1. Using ~전에 with Verbs

When combining ~전에 with verbs, you need to convert the verb into a noun form by adding -기 to the verb stem. Formation Steps:

1. Take the Verb Stem: Remove -다 from the dictionary form of the verb.
   • Example: 하다 (to do) → 하 (Verb Stem)
2. Add -기: Attach -기 to the verb stem to nominalize it.
   • 하 + 기 = 하기
3. Add 전에: Attach 전에 to indicate "before."
   • 하기 + 전에 = 하기 전에 ("before doing") Example:

• 먹다 (to eat)
  • 먹 + 기 + 전에 = 먹기 전에 ("before eating")

2. Using ~전에 with Nouns

When the word is already a noun, you simply add 전에 after it. Formation:

• Noun + 전에 Example:
• 수업 (class)
  • 수업 + 전에 = 수업 전에 ("before class")

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3. Comparative Analysis

Comparing ~전에 with Similar Grammar Points

~후에 (After)

• ~후에 means "after."
• Structure with verbs: Verb Stem + (으)ㄴ 후에
• Structure with nouns: Noun + 후에 Example:
• 먹은 후에 ("after eating")
• 수업 후에 ("after class")

Key Differences

• ~전에 indicates an action happening before a certain time or event.
• ~후에 indicates an action happening after a certain time or event.
• With ~전에, verbs are nominalized with -기, whereas with ~후에, verbs take the (으)ㄴ past modifier.

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

Formal Situations

1. 회의 시작하기 전에 자료를 준비했습니다.
   • I prepared the materials before the meeting started.
2. 잠자기 전에 책을 읽습니다.
   • I read a book before going to sleep.

Informal Situations

1. 영화 보기 전에 뭐 할 거야?
   • What will you do before watching the movie?
2. 밥 먹기 전에 손 씻었어?
   • Did you wash your hands before eating?

Written Context

1. 출발하기 전에 표를 확인하세요.
   • Please check your ticket before departure.
2. 면접 전에 회사에 대해 공부하세요.
   • Study about the company before the interview.

Spoken Context

1. 수업 전에 커피 마실래요?
   • Do you want to have coffee before class?
2. 시험 보기 전에 뭐 했어?
   • What did you do before taking the exam?

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, punctuality and preparation are highly valued. Using ~전에 emphasizes the importance of completing certain actions ahead of an event, reflecting the cultural emphasis on foresight and responsibility.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• The structure ~전에 remains the same across different speech levels.

• Politeness is conveyed through verb endings rather than changes to ~전에.

  Example:

  • 가기 전에요. (Polite)
  • 가기 전이야. (Informal)

Idiomatic Expressions Using ~전에

1. 아무 말 없이 떠나기 전에 인사라도 해줘요.
   • At least say goodbye before leaving without a word.
2. 늦기 전에 서둘러야 해요.
   • We need to hurry before it's too late.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Forgetting to Add -기:
   • Incorrect: 먹다 전에
   • Correct: 먹기 전에 Always add -기 to the verb stem before 전에 when using verbs.
2. Using the Wrong Verb Form:
   • Using past tense incorrectly with ~전에.
   • Incorrect: 먹은 전에
   • Correct: 먹기 전에 Do not use past tense modifiers with ~전에.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic for Verbs: Remember "Verb Stem + 기 전에" as "Vegi Jeon." Think of "veggie jeon," a Korean pancake, to recall adding -기 전에.
• Consistent Practice: Create sentences using daily routines to become comfortable with the structure.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ~전에 means "before" and is used to express an action occurring prior to another.
• When used with verbs, always attach -기 to the verb stem before adding 전에.
• When used with nouns, simply add 전에 after the noun.
• Be mindful of the level of politeness through verb endings, not the ~전에 structure.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the Blank: 공부하기 ___ 운동합니다.
   • Answer: 전에 (공부하기 전에 운동합니다.) - I exercise before studying.
2. True or False: When using ~전에 with verbs, you add -는 to the verb stem.
   • Answer: False (You add -기, not -는.)
3. Translate to Korean: "Before meeting my friend, I went to the bank."
   • Answer: 친구를 만나기 전에 은행에 갔습니다.

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By understanding and practicing the usage of ~전에, you'll be able to express sequences of events more clearly and naturally in Korean.

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