Join Discordavant
before (in time), prior to — used before a noun or pronoun
before doing something (used in constructions with 'avant de' + infinitive)
On se retrouve juste avant la soirée.
We'll meet up just before the party.
before (introducing a subordinate clause); usually followed by the subjunctive
Ferme la porte avant que tu partes.
Close the door before you leave.
front part (the forward section of an object, vehicle, etc.)
forward (a player in certain team sports, e.g. rugby)
Il y a une grosse rayure sur l'avant de la voiture.
There's a big scratch on the front of the car.
Notes
GENERAL INFO
Avant means "before" (time or order) or "in front of" (position). It functions as a preposition (followed by a noun or infinitive with "de") or an adverb.
USAGE
As a preposition: "avant de partir" (before leaving), "avant le dîner" (before dinner).
As an adverb: "Je l'ai déjà vu avant" (I've already seen it before).
TRAPS
Do not confuse avant (before, temporal or sequential) with "devant" (in front of, spatial).
Example: "Il est arrivé avant moi" (He arrived before me). "Il est devant la porte" (He is in front of the door).