before

antes

before(bi-for)

adverb

1. (previously)

a. antes

We've met before; you don't have to introduce him to me.

Nos conocemos de antes; no me lo tienes que presentar.

preposition

2. (preceding in time)

a. antes de

Always wash your hands before dinner.

Siempre debes lavarte las manos antes de cenar.

3. (in front of)

a. ante

I had never performed before such a large crowd.

Nunca había actuado ante una multitud tan grande.

b. delante de

They were married before a small gathering of friends and family.

Se casaron delante de un pequeño grupo de amigos y familia.

4. (in importance)

a. antes que

A poet is, before anything else, a person who is in love with language.

Un poeta es, antes que nada, una persona enamorada de los idiomas.

conjunction

5. (used to indicate time)

a. antes de que

Finish your homework before mom gets home.

Acaba tus deberes antes de que mamá llegue a casa.

6. (used to indicate preference)

a. antes que

I will die on my feet before living on my knees.

Moriré de pie antes que vivir de rodillas.