前 is read まえ (zen), with atamadaka pitch accent (high first, then falls).

How is 前 used in a sentence?

この書類に名前を書いてください。 — Please write your name on this form.

前まえ

Q: What JLPT level is 前?

前 is a JLPT N5 word (beginner).

まえ · zen

JLPT N5 › noun ★ Studied by 14 learners

Last (i.e. immediately preceding), previous, ex-, former

pre- (e.g. premodern)
before
before, earlier
in front (of), before (e.g. a building)
before, earlier, previously, prior, ago, (minutes) to (the hour)

Other ways to say “last” in Japanese →

Atamadaka

high first, then falls · what is pitch accent?

Test yourself

Example sentences

この書類に名前を書いてください。

このしょるいになまえをかいてください。

Please write your name on this form.

Nihoner sentence bank

今日は、午前中も働きます。

きょうは、ごぜんちゅうもはたらきます。

Today I work in the morning too.

Nihoner sentence bank

この絵は何百年も前からあります。

このえはなんびゃくねんもまえからあります。

This painting has existed for hundreds of years.

Nihoner sentence bank

コンサートが始まる前に、席を確認しました。

こんさーとがはじまるまえに、せきをかくにんしました。

Before the concert started, I checked my seat.

Nihoner sentence bank

Say it out loud

Press the microphone and say 前 (まえ)

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6 words that share a kanji with 前. Tap each card — then save only the ones that are new to you.

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Kanji in this word

前In Front, Before 音ぜん訓まえ・-まえ JLPT N5 · 9 strokes

Can you write it? Draw kanji from memory →

Words that share a kanji

前まえbefore, in front 前売まえうりadvance sale, booking 以前いぜんin the past; before 名前なまえname 前提ぜんていpreamble, premise, prerequisite 前途ぜんとfuture prospects, outlook, the journey ahead

Questions

What does 前 mean?

Last (i.e. immediately preceding), previous, ex-, former. It can also mean: pre- (e.g. premodern); before; before, earlier.

How do you pronounce 前?

まえ (zen). Pitch accent: atamadaka — high first, then falls. Press Listen above to hear it.

What JLPT level is 前?

JLPT N5 — beginner. See the JLPT N5 guide.

How do I remember 前?

Say it out loud with an example sentence, test yourself above, then save it to your deck: Nihoner brings it back just before you would forget it (spaced repetition).