What is the Kanji for "Before" and "Front"?
If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Before" and "Front", you've come to the right place!
The Japanese Kanji for "Before" and "Front" is "前".
This kanji has 2 readings:
Its kunyomi reading is "Mae".
Its onyomi reading is "Zen".
kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.
If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 3 parts:
The radical "䒑" means "Herbs" . The kanji "月" means "Moon" and "Month" and can be read as "Tsuki", "Getsu" and "Gatsu". And The radical "刂" means "Sword" .
Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.
What does the kanji "前" mean in japanese?
"前" means "Before" and "Front" .
Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N5 exam.
Here are some words that use this kanji:
前: "Before" or "Front". The Japanese noun '前 (まえ)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'front', referring to the forward-facing part or side of something. For example: the front of the house「家の前」(いえのまえ). The second meaning is 'before', indicating a time or event that precedes another. For example: before the meeting「会議の前」(かいぎのまえ). It's important to note that '前' can also be used in compound words to indicate precedence or priority, such as '前売り (まえうり)' meaning 'advance sale'. Additionally, '前' can be used in expressions like '前に (まえに)' to mean 'in front of' or 'before' in a temporal sense, as in 'before eating'「食べる前に」(たべるまえに).
御前: "You". The Japanese pronoun '御前 (おまえ)' is a second-person pronoun meaning 'you'. Historically, it was a term of respect, but in modern usage, it is often considered informal, blunt, or even rude depending on the context. It is typically used among close friends, family members, or in situations where the speaker wants to assert dominance or familiarity. For example: You are annoying「御前はうるさい」(おまえはうるさい). What are you doing?「御前は何をしている？」(おまえはなにをしている？). Be cautious when using this term, as it can come across as disrespectful if used inappropriately.
名前: "Name". The Japanese noun '名前 (なまえ)' means 'name'. It refers to the word or words by which a person, place, or thing is known. This term is commonly used in everyday conversation to ask for or give someone's name. For example: What is your name?「あなたの名前は何ですか？」(あなたのなまえはなんですか？). My name is Tanaka「私の名前は田中です」(わたしのなまえはたなかです). It can also be used to refer to the name of objects, places, or even abstract concepts, such as the name of a book or a company. The word is neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
以前: "Before" or "Previously". The Japanese noun '以前 (いぜん)' refers to a time or period before a specific point in the past. It is often used to indicate something that happened prior to a certain event or time. For example: I lived in Tokyo before「以前、東京に住んでいました」(いぜん、とうきょうにすんでいました). This situation was different previously「以前はこの状況は違いました」(いぜんはこのじょうきょうはちがいました). The word can also be used to compare past and present states, emphasizing a change over time.
昼前: "Before noon". The Japanese noun '昼前 (ひるまえ)' refers to the time period before noon, typically indicating late morning. It is used to describe a specific time frame in the day, often in contexts where timing is important. For example: I will arrive before noon「昼前に到着します」(ひるまえにとうちゃくします). Let's meet before noon「昼前に会いましょう」(ひるまえにあいましょう). This term is useful for scheduling and planning activities that need to occur in the late morning hours.
前後: "Approximately" or "Before and after". The Japanese noun '前後 (ぜんご)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to 'before and after,' indicating a sequence or time frame around an event. For example: The accident happened around 3 PM「事故は3時前後に起こった」(じこはさんじぜんごにおこった). The second meaning is 'approximately,' used to indicate an approximate time or quantity. For example: It will take approximately 10 minutes「10分前後かかります」(じゅっぷんぜんごかかりま す). Note that the context usually clarifies which meaning is intended.
前提: "Premise". The Japanese noun '前提 (ぜんてい)' means 'premise'. It refers to a statement or idea that forms the basis for a theory, argument, or conclusion. It is often used in logical, philosophical, or practical discussions to establish a foundational assumption. For example: The premise of the argument is flawed「その議論の前提は間違っている」(そのぎろんのぜんていはまちがっている). Without this premise, the theory falls apart「この前提なしでは、その理論は成り立たない」(このぜんていなしでは、そのりろんはなりたたない). The word can also be used in everyday contexts to refer to assumptions or conditions that must be met before proceeding with something.
当たり前: "Natural" or "Obvious". The Japanese adjectival noun '当たり前 (あたりまえ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'obvious', referring to something that is clear, self-evident, or expected. The second meaning is 'natural', indicating something that is normal, ordinary, or to be expected. This word is often used to express that something is a given or should be taken for granted. For example: It's obvious that the sun rises in the east「太陽が東から昇るのは当たり前だ」(たいようがひがしからのぼるのはあたりまえだ). It's natural to feel nervous before a big test「大きなテストの前に緊張するのは当たり前だ」(おおきなテストのまえにきんちょうするのはあたりまえだ). The word can also carry a nuance of something being taken for granted, as in 'It's only natural to help others'「他人を助けるのは当たり前だ」(たにんをたすけるのはあたりまえだ).
午前: "Morning" or "AM". The Japanese noun '午前 (ごぜん)' refers to the time period from midnight to noon, commonly known as 'morning' or 'AM' in English. It is often used in contexts related to time, schedules, or appointments. For example: The meeting is at 10 AM「会議は午前10時です」(かいぎはごぜんじゅうじです). I wake up early in the morning「私は午前中に早く起きます」(わたしはごぜんちゅうにはやくおきます). Note that '午前' is typically used in formal or written contexts, while '朝 (あさ)' is more commonly used in casual speech to refer to the morning.
前回: "Last time". The Japanese noun '前回 (ぜんかい)' means 'last time' or 'the previous time'. It is used to refer to the most recent occurrence of an event or action that has happened before. This word is commonly used in contexts where you want to compare or refer back to the previous instance of something. For example: Last time, we went to the park「前回、公園に行きました」(ぜんかい、こうえんにいきました). The results were better last time「前回の結果は良かった」(ぜんかいのけっかはよかった). It's important to note that '前回' is often used in both casual and formal settings, making it a versatile word in Japanese conversation.
前期: "First half". The Japanese noun '前期 (ぜんき)' refers to the 'first half' of a period, such as a school term, fiscal year, or any other divided timeframe. It is commonly used in academic, business, and organizational contexts to distinguish between the first and second parts of a period. For example: The first half of the fiscal year was successful「前期の決算は成功でした」(ぜんきのけっさんはせいこうでした). The first half of the school term ends next week「前期は来週で終わります」(ぜんきはらいしゅうでおわります). This term is often paired with '後期 (こうき)', which means 'second half'.
前述: "Aforementioned". The Japanese noun '前述 (ぜんじゅつ)' means 'aforementioned' or 'previously mentioned'. It is used to refer to something that has already been stated or discussed earlier in a conversation, text, or context. This term is often used in formal or written contexts to avoid repetition and to refer back to earlier points. For example: as aforementioned, the plan has changed「前述のとおり、計画は変更されました」(ぜんじゅつのとおり、けいかくはへんこうされました). The aforementioned issue will be addressed later「前述の問題は後で取り上げます」(ぜんじゅつのもんだいはあとでとりあげます).
直前: "Just before". The Japanese noun '直前 (ちょくぜん)' means 'just before.' It refers to the immediate period before an event or action takes place. This word is often used to describe the timeframe immediately prior to a specific event, such as departure, start time, or occurrence. For example: just before the departure of the train 「電車の出発の直前」 (でんしゃのしゅっぱつのちょくぜん). I realized it just before the deadline 「締め切りの直前に気づいた」 (しめきりのちょくぜんにきづいた). It can also be used to describe physical proximity, such as being right in front of something, but that usage is less common.
事前: "Advance" or "Prior". The Japanese noun '事前 (じぜん)' refers to something that is done or prepared beforehand, in advance, or prior to an event. It is often used in contexts where preparation or planning is emphasized. For example: Please inform us in advance「事前に知らせてください」(じぜんにしらせてください). We need prior approval「事前の承認が必要です」(じぜんのしょうにんがひつようです). The word can also be used to describe actions or arrangements made before a specific event or deadline. It is commonly used in formal or professional settings.
前進: "Advance". The Japanese verbal noun '前進 (ぜんしん)' means 'advance' or 'progress'. It is used to describe the act of moving forward, either physically or metaphorically. This term is often used in contexts related to movement, development, or improvement. For example: The army advanced「軍隊は前進した」(ぐんたいはぜんしんした). We need to make progress in this project「このプロジェクトで前進する必要がある」(このプロジェクトでぜんしんするひつようがある). The word can also be used in a more abstract sense, such as making progress in life or in a particular field.
手前: "Oneself" or "Front". The Japanese noun '手前 (てまえ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'front', referring to the space or area directly in front of someone or something. For example: The store is right in front of the station「その店は駅の手前です」(そのみせはえきのてまえです). The second meaning is 'oneself', often used in a humble or self-referential way. For example: I will do it myself「手前でやります」(てまえでやります). It's important to note that the context in which '手前' is used will determine which meaning is intended. The word can also carry a nuance of politeness or humility, especially when referring to oneself.
前半: "First half". The Japanese noun '前半 (ぜんはん)' refers to the 'first half' of something, such as a period of time, a game, or a book. It is commonly used to divide events, matches, or time periods into two parts. For example: The first half of the game was exciting「前半の試合は興奮した」(ぜんはんのしあいはこうふんした). I finished the first half of the book「本の前半を読み終えた」(ほんのぜんはんをよみおえた). This term is often used in contexts like sports, academic semesters, or performances to describe the initial portion of an event or period.
戦前: "Prewar". The Japanese noun '戦前 (せんぜん)' refers to the period before a war, specifically the time before World War II in Japan. It is often used in historical contexts to describe events, policies, or societal conditions that existed prior to the war. For example: Life in Japan before the war was different「戦前の日本での生活は違っていた」(せんぜんのにほんでのせいかつはちがっていた). Prewar architecture is still preserved in some areas「戦前の建築はまだいくつかの地域で保存されている」(せんぜんのけんちくはまだいくつかのちいきでほぞんされている). The term is commonly used in discussions about history, culture, and politics.
前者: "Former". The Japanese noun '前者 (ぜんしゃ)' means 'the former' and is used to refer to the first of two things or people mentioned earlier in a conversation or text. It is often paired with '後者 (こうしゃ)', which means 'the latter'. For example: Between tea and coffee, I prefer the former「紅茶とコーヒーのうち、前者が好きです」(こうちゃとコーヒーのうち、ぜんしゃがすきです). When comparing two options, the former is usually the first one mentioned. This word is commonly used in formal or written contexts to avoid repetition.
前方: "Front". The Japanese noun '前方 (ぜんぽう)' means 'front' or 'forward direction'. It is used to indicate the area or direction that is ahead or in front of something. This word is often used in contexts related to movement, orientation, or spatial awareness. For example: look to the front「前方を見て」(ぜんぽうをみて). The car is moving forward「車は前方に進んでいる」(くるまはぜんぽうにすすんでいる). It can also be used in more abstract contexts, such as 'future' or 'ahead in time', but this usage is less common. The word is typically used in formal or written contexts rather than casual conversation.
前掲: "Aforementioned". The Japanese noun '前掲 (ぜんけい)' means 'aforementioned' or 'previously mentioned'. It is often used in formal or written contexts to refer to something that has already been stated or listed earlier in a document, text, or discussion. For example: as mentioned in the aforementioned document「前掲の文書に記載されている通り」(ぜんけいのぶんしょにきさいされているとおり). The aforementioned points are crucial「前掲のポイントは重要です」(ぜんけいのポイントはじゅうようです). This term is typically used in academic, legal, or professional settings to avoid repetition and maintain clarity.
前向き: "Positive". The Japanese adjectival noun '前向き (まえむき)' means 'positive' or 'forward-looking'. It is used to describe an attitude or approach that is optimistic, constructive, and focused on progress or improvement. This term is often used in contexts related to personal growth, problem-solving, or decision-making. For example: She has a positive attitude「彼女は前向きです」(かのじょはまえむきです). We need to take a forward-looking approach「前向きなアプローチが必要です」(まえむきなあぷろーちがひつようです). The word can also imply a willingness to face challenges and move forward, rather than dwelling on the past or being pessimistic.
人前: "Public". The Japanese noun '人前 (ひとまえ)' refers to being in the presence of others or in a public setting. It is often used to describe situations where one's actions or behavior are visible to others, emphasizing the idea of being observed or judged. For example: She is shy in public「彼女は人前で恥ずかしがる」(かのじょはひとまえではずかしがる). He doesn't like speaking in public「彼は人前で話すのが苦手だ」(かれはひとまえではなすのがにがてだ). The term can also imply a sense of formality or decorum when in the presence of others.
前もって: "Beforehand". The Japanese adverb '前もって (まえもって)' means 'beforehand' or 'in advance'. It is used to indicate that something is done or prepared ahead of time, often to avoid last-minute issues or to ensure smooth execution. This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: Please inform me beforehand「前もって教えてください」(まえもっておしえてください). We prepared everything beforehand「私たちは前もってすべて準備しました」(わたしたちはまえもってすべてじゅんびしました). It emphasizes proactive action and planning.
出前: "Delivery". The Japanese noun '出前 (でまえ)' refers to the service of delivering food, typically from a restaurant, to a customer's home or another location. It is commonly used in the context of ordering meals like sushi, ramen, or other dishes. For example: I ordered sushi delivery「寿司の出前を頼んだ」(すしのでまえをたのんだ). The ramen delivery arrived quickly「ラーメンの出前が早く届いた」(ラーメンのでまえがはやくとどいた). This term is widely understood in Japan and is associated with convenience and quick service.
前日: "Previous day". The Japanese noun '前日 (ぜんじつ)' refers to 'the previous day' or 'the day before'. It is commonly used to indicate the day immediately preceding a specific event or date. For example: The meeting was held the previous day「会議は前日に行われた」(かいぎはぜんじつにおこなわれた). I prepared everything the day before「私は前日にすべて準備した」(わたしはぜんじつにすべてじゅんびした). This term is often used in formal or written contexts to specify timing relative to an event.
前売り券: "Advance" or "Ticket". The Japanese noun '前売り券 (まえうりけん)' refers to a ticket that is sold in advance, before the actual event or performance. It is commonly used for concerts, movies, theater performances, and other events. The word combines '前売り (まえうり)', meaning 'advance sale', and '券 (けん)', meaning 'ticket'. For example: I bought an advance ticket for the concert「コンサートの前売り券を買いました」(コンサートのまえうりけんをかいました). The advance tickets are cheaper「前売り券の方が安いです」(まえうりけんのほうがやすいです). This term is often used in contexts where tickets are sold before the event date, offering benefits like lower prices or guaranteed entry.
前年: "Previous year". The Japanese noun '前年 (ぜんねん)' means 'previous year'. This term is used to refer to the year immediately before the current one, often in contexts comparing data, statistics, or events between years. For example: The sales increased compared to the previous year「前年比で売上が増加した」(ぜんねんひでうりあげがぞうかした). The company's profit was higher than the previous year「会社の利益は前年より高かった」(かいしゃのりえきはぜんねんよりたかかった). It is commonly used in formal or business settings to discuss trends or changes over time.
建て前: "Principle" or "Facade". The Japanese noun '建て前 (たてまえ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning refers to a 'facade' or the outward appearance or front of a building, often used metaphorically to describe a superficial or false presentation of something. For example: the facade of the building is impressive「建物の建て前は印象的だ」(たてもののたてまえはいんしょうてきだ). The second meaning refers to a 'principle' or a stated policy or stance, often used in formal or official contexts. For example: the company's principle is customer satisfaction「会社の建て前は顧客満足だ」(かいしゃのたてまえはこきゃくまんぞくだ). It's important to note that the second meaning is often used in contrast to '本音 (ほんね)', which refers to one's true feelings or intentions.
駅前: "Station front". The Japanese noun '駅前 (えきまえ)' refers to the area in front of a train station. This term is commonly used to describe the vicinity or plaza located directly outside a train station, often bustling with shops, restaurants, and other amenities. For example: Let's meet in front of the station「駅前で会いましょう」(えきまえであいましょう). There are many shops in front of the station「駅前にたくさんのお店があります」(えきまえにたくさんのおみせがあります). The term is frequently used in daily conversations and is a key landmark in urban areas.
To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.
But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.
Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.
This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:
The hiragana "ぜ" is read as "ze". The hiragana "ん" is read as "n". The hiragana "ま" is read as "ma". And The hiragana "え" is read as "e".
![[Secondhand] Attack No.1](https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/s/15/23/NEODAI-251141.jpg)
![[Secondhand] Attack No.1](https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/pictures/s/15/28/NEODAI-251138.jpg)
