Meaning
Used to indicate a time preceding another event.
Cultural Background
The 'Apéritif' is a crucial social moment 'avant le dîner'. It's not just a drink; it's a transition from work to social life. In Quebec, 'avant' is used similarly, but you might hear 'en avant' used more frequently in driving contexts for 'forward'. Being 'en avance' (early) is respected, but being exactly on time is the standard. Arriving 'avant' the boss is often seen as a sign of zeal. The 'Avant-garde' movement started in France, emphasizing the role of the artist as someone who sees 'before' others.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember 'avant de' before a verb. 'Avant manger' is a very common beginner mistake.
Liaison
Pronounce the 't' in 'avant' if the next word starts with a vowel, like 'avant-hier'.
Meaning
Used to indicate a time preceding another event.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember 'avant de' before a verb. 'Avant manger' is a very common beginner mistake.
Liaison
Pronounce the 't' in 'avant' if the next word starts with a vowel, like 'avant-hier'.
Nostalgia
Saying 'C'était mieux avant' is a very common French expression of nostalgia.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'avant' or 'avant de'.
Je me brosse les dents _______ dormir.
We use 'avant de' because it is followed by an infinitive verb (dormir).
Choose the correct word for the physical location.
La voiture est arrêtée _______ la maison.
For physical location (in front of), we use 'devant'.
Match the French phrase to its English translation.
Match the following:
These are the four most common forms of the word.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu viens au ciné ? B: Oui, mais je dois finir mes devoirs _______.
The speaker needs to finish homework *before* going to the cinema.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Avant vs Devant
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe me brosse les dents _______ dormir.
We use 'avant de' because it is followed by an infinitive verb (dormir).
La voiture est arrêtée _______ la maison.
For physical location (in front of), we use 'devant'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four most common forms of the word.
A: Tu viens au ciné ? B: Oui, mais je dois finir mes devoirs _______.
The speaker needs to finish homework *before* going to the cinema.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that is 'devant'. 'Avant' is strictly for time or order.
'Avant' is a preposition (needs a noun/verb), 'auparavant' is an adverb (stands alone).
Only if a verb follows. If a noun follows, just use 'avant'.
No, it's neutral and used in all situations.
Use the compound word 'avant-hier'.
Yes, in the phrase 'en avant'.
The opposite is 'après' (after).
It's called the 'ne explétif'. It's formal and doesn't change the meaning to negative.
Yes, it means 'before me' in time or sequence.
Yes, 'les avants' refers to the forwards in rugby or soccer.
Related Phrases
avant-hier
similarthe day before yesterday
en avant
specialized formforward / ahead
auparavant
synonympreviously
avant-propos
builds onforeword / preface
d'avant-guerre
specialized formpre-war
