Translation guide
A preposition meaning 'before' in time. In Japanese, it is expressed using temporal nouns, particles, or verb forms that indicate one event happens before another.
prior to the meeting
prior to leaving
Express that something happens earlier than a specific event or time.
The most common and neutral way to say 'prior to N'. N is a noun or noun phrase representing the event or time.
Please read the materials prior to the meeting.
Prior to departure, I checked that I hadn't forgotten anything.
Used when the prior event is expressed as a verb. The verb is in its plain non-past form, regardless of the tense of the main clause.
I brush my teeth prior to going to bed.
Prior to coming to Japan, I studied Japanese.
A more formal equivalent, often used in official announcements or written contexts. Implies 'in advance of' or 'preceding'.
Prior to the launch of the new product, a press conference was held.
Formal verb pattern for 'prior to doing'. Often used in written instructions or reports.
Prior to signing the contract, please carefully check the contents.
Literally 'before N', but often implies 'even before that stage' or 'prior to that, as a more fundamental matter'. Can sound emphatic or contrastive.
Prior to getting married, I first need to find a job.
前に is the everyday choice for 'prior to'. 先立って is formal and often used in business or official contexts. Using 先立って in casual conversation would sound stiff.
Wash your hands prior to eating, okay?
Prior to the opening, there will be a greeting from the president.
前に can also mean 'in front of' (spatial). Context usually makes it clear, but if ambiguity arises, use 手前に (てまえに) for spatial 'in front of' or rephrase.
There is a convenience store in front of the station. (spatial, not 'prior to')