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.
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.
会議の前に資料を読んでください。
Please read the materials prior to the meeting.
出発の前に忘れ物がないか確認した。
Prior to departure, I checked that I hadn't forgotten anything.
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.
食事の前に手を洗ってね。
Wash your hands prior to eating, okay?
開会に先立ち、社長よりご挨拶がございます。
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.
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.
寝る前に歯を磨きます。
I brush my teeth prior to going to bed.
日本に来る前に日本語を勉強した。
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'.
新製品の発売に先立って、記者会見が行われた。
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.
契約を結ぶに先立って、内容をよくご確認ください。
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.
結婚以前に、まず仕事を探さなければ。
Prior to getting married, I first need to find a job.
駅の前にコンビニがある。
There is a convenience store in front of the station. (spatial, not 'prior to')
駅の前にコンビニがある。
There is a convenience store in front of the station. (spatial, not 'prior to')