Temporal Expressions in Korean || Using 기 전에 and 후에

Q: What is the difference with 기 전에 and 후에?

기 전에 means "before (doing something)," while 후에 means "after (doing something)." They are used to indicate the time sequence of actions.

Q: Can I use 기 전에, 후에 with verbs and nouns?

기 전에 is only used with verbs, while 후에 can be used with both verbs and nouns. When using 후에 with a noun, you don’t need the 기 form.

Q: How do I use 기 전에 and 후에 with past and future tenses?

The verb before 기 전에 is always in its base form, but the main verb in the sentence can be conjugated in past, present, or future tense. With 후에 , the verb before it is also in its base form, but the main verb follows normal tense conjugation rules.

Q: Can I use 기 전에 and 후에 in the same sentence?

Yes! You can use both to describe sequential events, like: 밥을 먹기 전에 손을 씻고, 먹은 후에 이를 닦아요. "Before eating, I wash my hands, and after eating, I brush my teeth."

Q: Can I learn Korean with LTL?

Of course! We teach Korean online on our Flexi Classes platform. And even have a 7 Day Free Trial ! We also offer Korean Courses in Seoul, for both group and individual classes. Contact us for more details and start your language learning journey.

Home A2 Before and after with 기 전에 and 후에

HOW TO USE 기 전에 & 후에

Expressing actions or events that happen before or after another action using -기 전에 (before) and -은/ㄴ 후에 (after).

These structures are essential for sequencing events and organizing thoughts in Korean, similar to “before doing” and “after doing” in English.

USING 기 전에 FOR “BEFORE”

The ending -기 전에 is used to describe actions that happen before another event.

PATTERN

Verb Stem + 기 전에 + Main Action

수업을 듣기 전에 책을 읽어요.	I read a book before attending class.
자기 전에 이를 닦아요.	I brush my teeth before going to bed.
운동하기 전에 준비 운동을 해야 해요.	I planned the schedule before going on a trip.

View More Examples:

여행 가기 전에 일정을 정했어요.	I planned the schedule before going on a trip.
시험 보기 전에 복습했어요.	I reviewed before taking the test.
친구를 만나기 전에 카페에 들렀어요.	I stopped by a café before meeting my friend.

USING 은/ㄴ 후에 FOR “AFTER”

Use -은/ㄴ 후에 to describe an action or state that happens after another action.

It is similar to saying “after doing something” in English.

PATTERN

Verb Stem + -은/ㄴ 후에 + Main Action

수업을 들은 후에 숙제를 해요.	I do homework after attending class.
밥을 먹은 후에 산책했어요.	I took a walk after eating.
운동한 후에 샤워를 해요.	I take a shower after exercising.

View More Examples:

영화를 본 후에 친구들과 이야기했어요.	I talked with my friends after watching a movie.
회의를 끝낸 후에 메모를 정리했어요.	I organized my notes after finishing the meeting.
쇼핑한 후에 저녁을 먹었어요.	I had dinner after shopping.