Translation guide
The English word "front" has several distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common ones for learners: the forward-facing part of something, a military or weather front, a facade or pretense, and a few other uses.
The side or part that faces forward; the opposite of back.
General word for 'front' as a spatial location. Can be used for the front of a building, a person, a line, etc.
家の前に車が止まっています。
A car is parked in front of the house.
He was standing in front of me.
The direct front, often used for buildings or formal settings. Emphasizes facing directly forward.
There is a fountain in front of the hotel.
The near side or this side of something, often from the speaker's perspective. Can mean 'in front of' but closer than 前.
There is a convenience store just before the station.
The front surface or facade. More formal or technical, often used in written contexts.
The front of the building is glass-walled.
A line where opposing forces meet, or a boundary between air masses.
An appearance or display intended to deceive; a cover for secret activities.
A pretense or outward appearance that hides the truth. Often used in phrases like 見せかけの～ (a fake/front of something).
His kindness is just a front.
The public face or ostensible reason; what is presented officially. Often contrasts with the real situation.
Literally 'straw raincoat to hide in'. Figuratively, a cover or front for illegal activities. More literary or idiomatic.
The cover or first pages of a publication.
The quality of being direct or having the nerve to do something.
English uses 'in front of' for both location and presence. Japanese 前 can sound too direct or physical. For 'in the presence of' or 'before an audience', use 前で or other expressions.
Speaking in front of a crowd makes me nervous.
前 is the general 'front'. 手前 means 'this side of' or 'just before' from the speaker's viewpoint. Use 手前 when emphasizing proximity or a point just before a landmark.
The bank is in front of the post office.
He fought on the front lines.
西部戦線では異状なし。
All quiet on the Western Front.
That company was a front operation.
Officially it's a trip, but actually it's for work.
The shop was a front for drug deals.
The answer is written in the front of the book.
The bank is just before the post office (on the way).