The meaning of こと and the use of まえに

[eric]

for example, such as in the context of わたしはピアノおひくことができます。

and わたしは漢字お読むことができます。


Furthermore, in sentences like this 日本へくるまえに、日本語お勉強しました。what does the まえに represent?

sorry, I know I have alot of question, but it would be great if you can help me out.

thanks

 

[KrazyKat]

1) koto changes a verb into a noun, like the infinitive (to ...) or the gerund (...ing) in English.

2) 前に means before.

 

[Ben W Bell]

前 means before, in front of. に is a locational relational particle. I believe.

 

[yamada]

1) koto changes a verb into a noun, like the infinitive (to ...) or the gerund (...ing) in English.

Great merit which English has.

 

[yamada]

日本へくるまえに、日本語お勉強しました is ok.
日本へくるまえに、日本語お勉強していました is much better.