Readings: ゼン (Onyomi), まえ (Kunyomi)
Meaning: before, in front, previous
前 is a fundamental kanji used to express time (before, previous) or location (in front). You’ll see it in words like 午前 (morning), 前に (before), and 名前 (name).
View JLPT N5 Kanji ListKanji Details
| Radical | 刂 (knife/sword) |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 9 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
| Grade | 2nd Grade |
Readings
| Onyomi | ゼン |
|---|---|
| Kunyomi | まえ |
How to Write – Stroke Order
前 combines two parts: “stop” and “knife,” symbolizing what comes first or earlier. It has 9 strokes and is frequently seen in both time and direction-related words.
Example Sentences
Japanese: 午前九時に学校へ行きます。
Kana: ごぜんくじにがっこうへいきます。
Romaji: Gozen kuji ni gakkou e ikimasu.
English: I go to school at 9 a.m.
Japanese: 名前を言ってください。
Kana: なまえをいってください。
Romaji: Namae o itte kudasai.
English: Please say your name.
Japanese: 食べる前に手を洗います。
Kana: たべるまえにてをあらいます。
Romaji: Taberu mae ni te o araimasu.
English: I wash my hands before eating.
Vocabulary Using 前
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 前 | まえ | in front, before |
| 午前 | ごぜん | morning, a.m. |
| 名前 | なまえ | name |
| 前に | まえに | before |
| 前回 | ぜんかい | last time |
🔗 N5 Grammar & Vocabulary
I’m a software engineer based in Japan, with experience in developing web and mobile applications. I’m passionate about technology, especially in DevOps, AI, and app development using platforms like AWS, Flutter, and Node.js. My goal is to build a website that shares knowledge about the Japanese language and IT, helping everyone learn and grow more easily in the digital era.