avant
before
The French word 'avant' is used similarly to the English word 'before'. This can reference time, for example 'Avant le dîner' means 'before dinner'. It can also be used to denote ranking or position, like 'Je suis avant toi dans la file' meaning 'I am before you in line'.
Example sentences using: avant
Je vais me coucher avant minuit.
I'm going to bed before midnight.
In French, 'avant' is used to refer to an event which will occur earlier than another event. Here, the speaker is stating that they will sleep prior to midnight.
Avant de partir, vérifiez que vous avez tout.
Before leaving, check that you have everything.
'Avant de' is often used when advising an action that should take place prior to another action. In this instance, it's suggested to check one's belongings before departing.
Il est arrivé avant moi.
He arrived before me.
The word 'avant' is used here to compare the arrival times of two people. The other person has arrived before the speaker.
Avant c'était mieux.
Before, it was better.
In this context, 'avant' is used to describe a situation in the past that was superior to the current situation.
J'ai vu ce film avant toi.
I saw this movie before you.
Again, 'avant' is used to compare the timing in which two different people did something. Here, the speaker indicates that they watched the movie prior to the other individual.
Elle a fini avant moi.
She finished before me.
'Avant' shows that a certain action was completed earlier by one person than the other. Here, 'she' finished whatever activity was taking place earlier than the speaker.
Les affaires avant le plaisir.
Business before pleasure.
This phrase uses 'avant' to indicate the order of importance or priority of two different matters, here suggesting that business takes precedence over pleasure.
Lire les instructions avant d'utiliser.
Read the instructions before using.
'Avant de' introduces a suggested action that should be done prior to another action - in this case, reading the instructions before using a thing or equipment.
Calculez le coût total avant de commander.
Calculate the total cost before ordering.
In this sentence, 'avant de' is used to advise calculating the total cost before placing an order, thus indicating sense of priority.
J'ai bu du café avant le déjeuner.
I drank coffee before lunch.
'Avant' here indicates the sequence of events. It shows that the speaker drank coffee before having lunch.