前 – Before, In front of, Prior (Zen / Mae Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 前.
Kanji 前 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
前 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 午前 (gozen – morning / AM) and 前半 (zenhan – first half).
Used as a standalone word or suffix meaning "before" or "front," such as 駅の前 (eki no mae – in front of the station).
前 Stroke Order – How to Write 前
前 is written with 9 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top horizontal and diagonal components, followed by the middle horizontal and vertical strokes, and finish with the bottom horizontal and sweeping strokes.
Common Words Using 前 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 前, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 前
See 前 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
駅の前に待ち合わせましょう。
えきのかえに まちあわせましょう。
Eki no mae ni machiawase mashou.
Let's meet in front of the station.
午前十時に会いましょう。
ごぜん じゅうじに あいましょう。
Gozen juuji ni aimashou.
Let's meet at 10:00 AM.
あなたの名前は何ですか。
あなたの なまえは なんですか。
Anata no namae wa nan desu ka.
What is your name?
三日前に日本へ来ました。
みっかまえに にほんへ きました。
Mikka mae ni Nihon e kimashita.
I came to Japan three days ago.
その本を机の前に置いてください。
そのほんを つくえのまえに 置いてください。
Sono hon o tsukue no mae ni oite kudasai.
Please put that book in front of the desk.
Frequently Asked Questions About 前
What does the Kanji 前 mean?
前 means "before," "in front of," or "prior." It is a fundamental JLPT N5 kanji used in spatial references (like 駅前, in front of the station) and temporal references (like 3日前, three days ago).
What is the Onyomi reading of 前?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 前 is ゼン (zen), as in 午前 (gozen, morning/AM) and 前半 (zenhan, first half).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 前?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 前 is まえ (mae), meaning "before" or "front," as in 駅の前 (eki no mae, in front of the station).
How many strokes does 前 have?
前 is written with 9 strokes.
Is 前 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 前 is an essential JLPT N5 kanji frequently used in everyday time and location expressions.
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