手前
temae
Considering; before; one’s standpoint
手前 expresses doing something out of consideration for one's position or obligation, or refers to a point before something in space/time.
How to form it
Attach to the noun phrase 手前 after a clause in the plain past tense (e.g., 言った手前, 約束した手前) or after a noun + の (e.g., 約束の手前). Also used as a standalone noun meaning 'before' with の, e.g., 駅の手前.
What it means
手前 literally means 'in front of' or 'before', but as a grammar pattern it expresses the idea that because of what one has said, promised, or committed to, one must act accordingly. It conveys a sense of obligation or self-awareness about one's own social position or face. For example, if you have boasted about your skills, you feel compelled to perform well because of that boast. The nuance is often 'out of consideration for my reputation' or 'given that I said that'.
As a noun, 手前 can also refer to a point just before reaching something, like 'just before the station'. This usage is more literal and spatial.
The pattern is often used in situations where one feels they cannot back down because of what they have already said or done. It is a formal and somewhat literary expression, common in written narratives, speeches, or formal conversations, but not in casual chat.
Example sentences
約束した手前、行かないわけにはいかない。
Yakusoku shita temae, ikanai wake ni wa ikanai.
Having made a promise, I can't afford not to go.
自分で言った手前、責任を持たなければならない。
Jibun de itta temae, sekinin o motanakereba naranai.
Since I said it myself, I have to take responsibility.
駅の手前の交差点を左に曲がってください。
Eki no temae no kousaten o hidari ni magatte kudasai.
Turn left at the intersection just before the station.
Don’t confuse it with
以上 (ijou)
以上 also means 'now that' and creates obligation, but it emphasizes the reason from the fact itself, while 手前 emphasizes one's social standing or face. For example, 約束した以上 ('now that I promised') focuses on the promise as a fact, whereas 約束した手前 ('with the promise before me') highlights that others know about it and your reputation is at stake.
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手前 is formal and often used in written language, speeches, or serious conversations; it is not used in casual speech.
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What does 手前 mean?
Considering; before; one’s standpoint. 手前 expresses doing something out of consideration for one's position or obligation, or refers to a point before something in space/time.
How do you form 手前?
Attach to the noun phrase 手前 after a clause in the plain past tense (e.g., 言った手前, 約束した手前) or after a noun + の (e.g., 約束の手前). Also used as a standalone noun meaning 'before' with の, e.g., 駅の手前.
Example of 手前 in a sentence
約束した手前、行かないわけにはいかない。 — Having made a promise, I can't afford not to go.
以上 (ijou) — what is the difference?
以上 also means 'now that' and creates obligation, but it emphasizes the reason from the fact itself, while 手前 emphasizes one's social standing or face. For example, 約束した以上 ('now that I promised') focuses on the promise as a fact, whereas 約束した手前 ('with the promise before me') highlights that others know about it and your reputation is at stake.
What JLPT level is 手前?
JLPT N1 (advanced), number 37 of 243 in Nihoner's learning order for N1.
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