Translation and Meaning of: 前 - sen

The Japanese word 前[せん] is an essential term for those who study the language, appearing in both everyday and formal contexts. Its main meaning is related to something that is "before" or "in front," but its applications go far beyond that. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin and writing of the kanji to its practical use in common phrases and expressions.

If you've ever wondered how to memorize this character or in what situations it appears most frequently, keep reading. Here at Suki Nihongo, we aim to provide clear and precise explanations about Japanese, and 前[せん] is one of those words that every student needs to master.

Meaning and usage of 前[せん]

The term 前[せん] carries the idea of something that is ahead, whether in space or time. It can mean "front," "before," or even "previous," depending on the context. In sentences like 前に行く (go forward) or 前に座る (sit in front), its function of indicating position is clear.

Additionally, 前 also appears in temporal expressions, such as 三日前 (three days ago). This versatility makes it a high-frequency word in Japanese, appearing in both informal conversations and more elaborate texts. It is worth noting that, although common, its use requires attention to avoid confusing it with similar terms like 先[さき], which can also indicate "front," but with different nuances.

Origin and writing of the kanji 前

The kanji 前 is composed of two main radicals: 丷 (a simplification of 八, which means "to divide") and 月 (originally representing "meat" in ancient contexts). Despite this composition, its current association with the meaning of "before" or "front" comes from a historical evolution in Chinese writing, later adapted by Japanese.

A useful tip for memorizing this character is to observe its structure: the upper part resembles a pair of horns, while the lower part refers to a precise cut. This mental image can help fix the writing, especially for those starting to learn kanji. Sources like Kanjipedia and Jisho.org confirm this decomposition, reinforcing its validity.

Curiosities and expressions with 前

In Japan, 前 is not limited to its literal use. In cultural contexts, it appears in proverbs such as 前門の虎、後門の狼 (a tiger at the front door, a wolf at the back door), illustrating the idea of danger from all directions. It is also common in the names of establishments, such as 前田 (Maeda), a surname that means "front field."

Another interesting aspect is its pronunciation. Although せん is the most well-known reading, in combinations like 前回 (last time), it is read as ぜん. This variation occurs due to the rules of rendaku, a phonetic phenomenon in Japanese that alters sounds in compound words. For those who want to sound more natural, paying attention to these changes is essential.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 先 (saki) - In front; previous; before
• 前方 (zenpou) - Direction ahead; front
• 前面 (zenmen) - Front part; frontal surface
• 前部 (zenbu) - Front part; front section of something
• 前方部 (zenpoubu) - Front part; section facing forward
• 前面部 (zenmembu) - Front part; section located at the front

前

Romaji: sen
Kana: せん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: before

Meaning in English: before

Definition: to fix or adjust. It is also on the other side or on the surface.

Example Sentences - (前) sen

See below some example sentences:

カーブを曲がる前には注意が必要です。

Kābu wo magaru mae ni wa chūi ga hitsuyō desu

Before making a turn

Be careful before turning the curve.

• カーブ - curve
• を - object particle
• 曲がる - turn, fold
• 前に - before
• は - Topic particle
• 注意が必要です - It is necessary to be careful.

雪崩が起こる前に避難しましょう。

Yukinami ga okoru mae ni hinan shimashou

Evacuate before the avalanche occurs.

• 雪崩 - avalanche
• が - partícula que indica o sujeito da frase
• 起こる - ocorrer
• 前に - before
• 避難 - evacuação
• しましょう - vamos fazer

零点になる前に寝なければならない。

Reiten ni naru mae ni nenakereba naranai

I have to sleep before midnight.

I have to sleep before it becomes zero.

• 零点 - zero hour
• になる - "become"
• 前に - before
• 寝なければならない - must sleep

私たちは前進する必要があります。

Watashitachi wa zenshin suru hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to move forward.

We need to move on.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 前進する - "avançar" in Japanese
• 必要があります - "It is necessary" in Japanese

沼にはまる前に気をつけてください。

Numa ni hamaru mae ni ki wo tsukete kudasai

Please be careful not to get stuck in the swamp.

Please be careful before entering the swamp.

• 沼 - mire, swamp
• に - particle indicating location
• はまる - sink, get stuck
• 前に - before
• 気をつけてください - please be careful

午前中に会議があります。

Gozenchuu ni kaigi ga arimasu

There will be an early morning meeting.

There's a meeting in the morning.

• 午前中に - during the morning
• 会議が - meeting
• あります - there will be

前に進む

mae ni susumu

Move forward.

advance forward

• 前に - means "forward" or "ahead"
• 進む - means "to advance" or "to proceed"

前もって予約をしてください。

Maemotte yoyaku o shite kudasai

Please make reservations in advance.

Please make a reservation in advance.

• 前もって - in advance
• 予約 - booking
• を - Direct object particle
• して - form of the verb "suru" (する) in the gerund
• ください - please, please about

前例を参考にしてください。

Mae rei wo sankou ni shite kudasai

Please refer to the previous example for reference.

See precedent.

• 前例 - It means "previous example" or "precedent".
• を - object particle.
• 参考 - It means "reference" or "consultation".
• に - Destination particle.
• してください - an expression that means "please do".

前後を見てから行動してください。

Maego wo mite kara koudou shite kudasai

Please check around before taking action.

Please look back and forth before acting.

• 前後 (zen-go) - means "front and back" in Japanese
• を (wo) - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 見て (mite) - verb form of "mirar" in Japanese
• から (kara) - means "after" in Japanese
• 行動 (koudou) - means "action" in Japanese
• して (shite) - verb form of "to do" in Japanese
• ください (kudasai) - Japanese expression of request, meaning "please"