Word
手前
Meaning in Englishbefore, this side
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Word context
What it means
What does 手前 mean? It denotes proximity or position relative to the speaker, such as in front of or on this side, and it can also refer to one's own side or self-interest in certain contexts. It is a noun used to describe spatial relation or personal stance and appears across formal and casual speech in a variety of phrases.
Main meanings
- Spatial meaning: in front of, ahead of, or on the speaker's side
- Figurative meaning: one's own side or position in a situation, sometimes implying self-interest or personal stance
- Fixed expressions: used in phrases such as 手前味噌 (temae-miso) to indicate self-reference or humility
How to use it
Used as a noun indicating position relative to the speaker, and as a pronoun to indicate one's own side or stance in a discussion; it appears in both formal and casual speech and in directional phrases such as 手前に.
Variants and close terms
- 前 (mae) — front; near
- 前方 (zenpō) — in front, romaji: zenpo
- こちら側 (kochira-gawa) — this side, romaji: kochira-gawa
- 奥 (oku) — behind, opposite of 手前, romaji: oku
- 自分の利益 (jibun no rieki) — one's own interest, romaji: jibun no rieki
Composition
- 手: hand; in compounds it carries senses of personal involvement or proximity
- 前: front; before; ahead
Word class
Noun (手前)
Word
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Kanji