Translation guide
The English verb 'precede' means to come before something else in time, order, or position. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express this concept, from common verbs to formal written patterns.
To happen or exist earlier than something else.
A common verb meaning 'to come before' or 'to precede' in time. Often used in the phrase ～に先立って (prior to ~).
出発に先立って、準備を整えた。
Prior to departure, we made preparations.
Means 'to go ahead' or 'to precede', often used in formal or technical contexts.
この現象は理論の確立に先行していた。
This phenomenon preceded the establishment of the theory.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to happen before ~'. Natural in casual conversation.
地震の前に小さな揺れが起こることがある。
Small tremors sometimes precede earthquakes.
Literally 'to become a forewarning', used when something signals or heralds a later event.
その静けさは嵐の前触れとなった。
The silence preceded the storm.
To be positioned earlier in a series, list, or process.
A natural, everyday phrase meaning 'to come first' or 'to come before' in a sequence.
この章はあの章より先に来る。
This chapter precedes that chapter.
Also used for order, meaning 'to precede' in a sequence, often in formal writing.
導入部が本論に先行する。
The introduction precedes the main text.
Means 'to be positioned before ~', suitable for describing physical or abstract order.
索引は付録の前に位置する。
The index precedes the appendix.
Specifically means 'to preface' or 'to say something as an introduction'. Used for remarks that precede a main statement.
彼は本題に入る前に前置きした。
He preceded his main point with a preface.
To walk or move ahead of someone.
The most common way to say 'to go ahead' or 'to precede' in a physical sense.
彼は私より先に行った。
He preceded me.
Means 'to lead the way' or 'to guide', implying preceding someone to show the path.
ガイドが私たちを先導した。
The guide preceded us.
Can be used for physical movement, but sounds stiff; more natural in written descriptions.
先頭のランナーが集団に先行した。
The lead runner preceded the pack.
To be higher in status, priority, or significance.
Means 'to take precedence' or 'to have priority'. Commonly used for rules, tasks, or values.
安全は利益に優先する。
Safety precedes profit.
Literally 'to stand above ~', meaning to outrank or precede in hierarchy.
この問題は他のすべてより上に立つ。
This issue precedes all others.
A somewhat literary verb meaning 'to take precedence over' or 'to be ahead of'.
While 先行する is a direct equivalent, it sounds stiff in everyday conversation. Use 先に来る or 先に行く for natural spoken Japanese.
彼の話はいつも前置きが長い。
His stories always have a long preamble.
Both mean 'to precede', but 先立つ is more common in temporal contexts (～に先立って), while 先行する is preferred in formal writing for order or sequence. 先立つ can also imply 'to be prior' in a more abstract sense.
公の利益が私情に先んじるべきだ。
Public interest should precede personal feelings.