自前
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
paying one's own expenses; at one's own expense
Used when someone covers costs themselves, without relying on others or an organization. Often appears as 自前で.
Please cover your own transportation costs.
Some employees bring their own personal computers.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
self-employed; working independently; going into business for oneself
Refers to earning a living through one's own business or independent work, rather than as an employee. Can also describe the person themselves.
He quit his job and started his own business.
My dream is to have my own shop.
Usage patterns
- 自前で〈動詞〉to do something at one's own expense
I paid for the business trip expenses myself.
- 自前で〈事〉をするto do something (e.g. run a business) independently, on one's own
She decided to open her own shop and become self-employed.
- 自前の〈物〉one's own (equipment, tools, etc.), not borrowed or provided by others
He brought in his own tools.