preface; introduction; lead-in
A preliminary remark or setup that introduces a main topic, joke, or question. Common in conversation, comedy, and presentations. Sense 2 is a specific application of sense 1.
See also: 前置き
payment in advance (by bank transfer)
Abbreviation of 前振込み. Used in financial or business contexts.
See also: 前振込み
swinging forward (of the body)
Rare usage, typically in sports or physical movement contexts.
In a golf swing, the forward swing is important.
He gave a long lead-in before getting to the main topic.
The setup for that joke was funny.
Please pay in advance by bank transfer.
前触れ is a warning sign that something is about to happen, whereas 前振り is a scripted setup or introduction used in stories, jokes, or presentations.
前振り is a preliminary setup or introduction, especially in comedy, while 振り alone can mean the same lead-in but is less specific about timing.
Standard kanji spelling.
Kana-mixed spelling; less common but seen in casual writing.
Compound of 前 (mae, 'before') and 振り (furi, 'swinging' or 'pretence'). The 'lead-in' sense derives from the idea of a preliminary gesture or setup.