Questions & Answers about Перед ужином я начинаю размораживать рыбу.
Why is it ужином and not ужин after перед?
Because перед normally requires the instrumental case.
So:
- ужин = nominative dictionary form
- ужином = instrumental singular
In time expressions, перед + instrumental means before something:
- перед ужином = before dinner
- перед работой = before work
- перед сном = before sleep / before going to bed
So перед ужином is the normal grammatical form here.
Does перед literally mean before, or can it also mean in front of?
It can mean both, depending on context.
- перед домом = in front of the house
- перед ужином = before dinner
In this sentence, because ужин is an event/time, the meaning is clearly before dinner, not a physical location.
Why is рыбу in the accusative case?