Translation guide
The English word 'beforehand' means doing something in advance, before a particular event or time. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through several adverbs and set phrases, with the most common being あらかじめ (arakajime) and 前もって (maemotte). The choice depends on formality and context.
あらかじめ知らせてください。
Please let me know beforehand.
前もって準備しておくべきだった。
I should have prepared beforehand.
Expressing that an action is done before a specific event or time, often to prepare or avoid problems.
The most common and neutral way to say 'beforehand' or 'in advance'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
あらかじめ準備しておきます。
I'll prepare beforehand.
あらかじめご連絡ください。
Please contact us in advance.
Very similar to あらかじめ, but slightly more conversational. Often used when giving a heads-up or making arrangements.
前もって言ってくれればよかったのに。
You should have told me beforehand.
前もって予約してください。
Please make a reservation in advance.
Literally 'prior to the matter', this is common in formal and business contexts. Often used with nouns like 準備 (preparation) or 連絡 (contact).
事前に資料をお送りします。
We will send the materials beforehand.
事前の準備が大切です。
Advance preparation is important.
The kanji form of あらかじめ. Used in formal writing, but the kana version is more common in everyday use.
予めご了承ください。
Please be aware beforehand.
Indicating that something happens sooner than planned or before the typical schedule.
Means 'a little early' or 'ahead of time'. Used when doing something slightly before the scheduled time.
早めに来てください。
Please come a bit beforehand.
早めに準備を始めよう。
Let's start preparing early.
Literally 'pushing forward', used in business to mean doing something ahead of schedule.
プロジェクトを前倒しで進めています。
We are moving the project forward ahead of schedule.
Emphasizing that one action should be completed before another.
The basic pattern 'before doing X'. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb. Not a direct translation of 'beforehand', but often used to express the same idea.
食べる前に手を洗ってください。
Please wash your hands before eating.
旅行の前にホテルを予約しておきます。
I'll book the hotel beforehand (before the trip).
Verb-て + おく means to do something in advance for future convenience. Often translates to 'do beforehand'.
資料をコピーしておいてください。
Please make copies of the documents beforehand.
切符を買っておきます。
I'll buy the tickets in advance.
All three mean 'beforehand', but あらかじめ is the most general. 前もって is slightly more casual and often used in spoken requests. 事前に is formal and common in business or official contexts. In everyday conversation, あらかじめ and 前もって are interchangeable.
あらかじめ/前もって連絡します。
I'll contact you beforehand.
事前にご確認ください。
Please check in advance. (formal)
先に (さきに) means 'first' or 'ahead' in a sequence, not 'in advance'. Saying 先に準備する implies doing it before someone else, not beforehand. Use あらかじめ or 前もって instead.
あらかじめ準備する。
Prepare beforehand.
先に準備する。
Prepare first (before others).
前もって言ってくれたら手伝ったのに。
If you had told me beforehand, I would have helped.
事前に機器を点検する必要があります。
We need to check the equipment beforehand.