Translation guide
Describes a location that is directly ahead, immediately before someone or something, often within close range. Japanese uses several spatial expressions depending on what is being described and the nuance of proximity.
To say that something is located right in front of you, within your field of vision and very close.
Literally 'before one's eyes'. The most common and natural way to say something is right in front of you. Can be used for physical objects, events, or abstract situations.
駅は目の前です。
The station is right in front of you.
事故が目の前で起きた。
The accident happened right in front of my eyes.
Means 'immediately in front'. Emphasizes the closeness more than 目の前. Often used when giving directions or describing relative positions.
彼は私のすぐ前に座っていた。
He was sitting right in front of me.
Means 'directly in front' or 'straight ahead'. Often used for buildings, entrances, or when facing something squarely.
銀行は郵便局の正面にあります。
The bank is right in front of the post office.
To indicate that something is located a very short distance ahead, often used in directions or when pointing something out.
Literally 'right there'. Used to point out something that is very close, just a few steps away. More casual than 目の前.
コンビニはすぐそこだよ。
The convenience store is right in front (just over there).
A more explicit version of 目の前, emphasizing existence. 'It's right in front of your eyes.'
答えは目の前にある。
The answer is right in front of you.
To describe something that happens or is located just before something else in time or order.
Means 'just before' or 'immediately preceding'. Used for time or sequence, not physical location.
出発の直前に電話があった。
There was a phone call right before departure.
目の前 is the most versatile and natural for 'right in front of one's eyes'. すぐ前 emphasizes the immediate proximity, often used for people or objects in a line. 正面 is used for facing something directly, like a building or a stage.
彼は私の目の前に立っていた。
He was standing right in front of me (blocking my view).
彼は私のすぐ前に並んでいた。
He was standing right in front of me (in line).
彼は私の正面に座った。
He sat directly opposite me.
Do not translate 'right' as 右 (みぎ) in this context. 'Right in front' means 'directly in front', not 'on the right side in front'.