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:

災害が起こる前に備えをすることが大切です。

Saigai ga okoru mae ni sonae o suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs.

It is important to be prepared before a disaster occurs.

• 災害 - Disaster
• が - Subject particle
• 起こる - Occur
• 前に - before
• 備えをすること - Prepare yourself
• が - Subject particle
• 大切です - is important

直前に電車が遅れた。

Chokuzen ni densha ga okureta

The train was late at the last minute.

The train was postponed shortly before.

• 直前に - "just before"
• 電車が - "train"
• 遅れた - "was delayed"

真ん前にあるものは見えない。

Mammae ni aru mono wa mienai

I can't see what's ahead.

• 真ん前にあるもの - It means "that thing right in front" in Japanese.
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 見えない - It means "cannot be seen" in Japanese.

私は試験前にいつも慌てます。

Watashi wa shiken mae ni itsumo awatemasu

I always get agitated before the exams.

I always panic before the exam.

• 私 (watashi) - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 試験 (shiken) - Japanese noun that means "exam"
• 前に (mae ni) - expression meaning "before"
• いつも (itsumo) - Japanese adverb meaning "always"
• 慌てます (awatemasu) - Japanese verb meaning "to become agitated, nervous"

私は警察に捕まる前に逃げたいです。

Watashi wa keisatsu ni tsukamaru mae ni nigetai desu

I want to run away before I get caught by the police.

I want to escape before I get caught by the police.

• 私 - Japanese personal pronoun that means "I"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 警察 - Japanese word that means "police"
• に - particle that indicates the direction or target of an action
• 捕まる - Japanese verb that means "to be arrested"
• 前に - expression meaning "before"
• 逃げたい - Japanese verb that means "to want to escape"
• です - final particle that indicates the end of the sentence and the formal tone

私の名前は山田です。

Watashi no namae wa Yamada desu

My name is Yamada.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 名前 - noun meaning "name"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 山田 - Japanese surname
• です - verb "to be" in present tense

私たちは常に目標を持って前進することが大切です。

Watashitachi wa tsuneni mokuhyō o motte zenshin suru koto ga taisetsu desu

It is important that we always advance with our goals.

• 私たちは - We
• 常に - Always
• 目標を - Goals
• 持って - TO HAVE
• 前進することが - advance
• 大切です - is important