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:

前進せよ！

Zenshin seyo!

Advance!

Go ahead!

• 前進 (Zenshin) - advance, progress
• せよ (seyo) - Imperative, "do".

以前の思い出が大切です。

Izen no omoide ga taisetsu desu

Memories of the past are important.

Past memories are important.

• 以前の - previous, past
• 思い出 - memory
• が - subject particle
• 大切 - important, valuable
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense

この欄には名前を書いてください。

Kono ran ni wa namae wo kaite kudasai

Please write your name in this field.

Write the name in this column.

• この欄 - This field
• には - indicates where the action should take place
• 名前 - Name
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 書いてください - please write

この機械は壊れる前に修理しなければならない。

Kono kikai wa kowareru mae ni shūri shinakereba naranai

This machine needs to be repaired before breaking.

This machine must be repaired before it breaks down.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 機械 - noun meaning "machine"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this machine"
• 壊れる - verb meaning "to break" or "to spoil"
• 前に - expression meaning "before"
• 修理 - noun meaning "repair" or "mending"
• しなければならない - an expression that indicates an obligation or need to do something, in this case, "it must be fixed"

作業を始める前に計画を立てることが重要です。

Sagyō o hajimeru mae ni keikaku o tateru koto ga jūyō desu

It is important to do a plan before you start work.

It is important to plan before you start working.

• 作業 (sagyō) - work
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 始める (hajimeru) - start
• 前に (mae ni) - before
• 計画 (keikaku) - plan
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 立てる (tateru) - make
• こと (koto) - abstract noun
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 重要 (jūyō) - important
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present

前置きが長すぎると話が進まない。

Maeoki ga nagasugiru to hanashi ga susumanai

If the intro is too long

If the intro is too long, the story will not proceed.

• 前置き (maezuki) - introduction, preamble
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 長すぎる (nagasugiru) - to be too long
• と (to) - Quote particle
• 話 (hanashi) - conversation, story
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 進まない (susumanai) - not progress, not advance

前提を明確にすることが重要です。

Zentei wo meikaku ni suru koto ga juuyou desu

It is important to leave the premises clear.

It is important to clarify the premise.

• 前提 (zentai) - means "premise" or "assumption".
• を (wo) - object particle.
• 明確 (meikaku) - It means "clear" or "precise".
• にする (ni suru) - expression that means "to become".
• こと (koto) - abstract noun that indicates an action or event.
• が (ga) - Subject particle.
• 重要 (juuyou) - It means "important" or "crucial."
• です (desu) - polite way to be.

前途多難

zentotanan

The future is uncertain and full of difficulties.

How difficult it is

• 前途 (qiántú) - future, perspective
• 多 (duō) - many, very
• 難 (nán) - difficult, complicated

加留多は美しい名前です。

Karuuta wa utsukushii namae desu

Kasuta is a beautiful name.

• 加留多 - first name in Japanese
• は - Topic marking particle
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 名前 - noun meaning "name"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

名前は何ですか？

Namae wa nan desu ka?

What is your name?

What is your name?

• 名前 - means "name" in Japanese
• は - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 何 - means "what" or "which" in Japanese
• です - is a polite way of saying "to be" or "to be" in Japanese
• か - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates a question