Korean Dictionary
How to say "Before" in Korean
“Before” in Korean is 전에 (pronounced "jeon-e").
전에
jeon-e
Usage & Context
The word for before, indicating a time prior to something. This is commonly used in sequencing events and time expressions.
Example Sentence
밥을 먹기 전에 손을 씻어요.
I wash my hands before eating.
How to use 전에 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Before” is 전에, romanized as jeon-e.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 전에.
Pronunciation Guide
The first syllable, 전 (jeon), sounds like 'jun' in 'junior,' but with a softer 'j' and the 'eo' vowel like in 'fun.' The final syllable, 에 (e), sounds like 'eh' in 'meh.' Combine them for 'jun-eh.'
More Example Sentences
Giving a health-related instruction or reminder.
식사 전에 손을 씻으세요.
Please wash your hands before eating.
Stating a past arrival time in conversation.
두 시간 전에 도착했어요.
I arrived two hours ago.
Describing a regular evening routine.
자기 전에 책을 읽어요.
I read a book before sleeping.
Cultural Context
전에 is a highly versatile time expression. It can mean 'before (an action)' when combined with a verb stem + -기 (e.g., 밥 먹기 전에, before eating), or 'ago' when combined with a time duration (e.g., 3년 전에, 3 years ago). It's fundamental for sequencing events and referring to past occurrences, frequently heard in daily conversations, instructions, and when recounting stories.
Editorial note
We review entries like 전에 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
밥 먹기 전에
Before eating.
오래 전에
A long time ago.
전에 만난 적 있어요?
Have we met before?
Related Expressions
후에
hu-e
After
이후에
ihu-e
After this / Afterwards
먼저
meonjeo
First / Before anything else
과거
gwageo
Past (broader concept)
More Numbers and Time Words
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