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.
交通費は自前でお願いします。
Please cover your own transportation costs.
自前のパソコンを持ち込む社員もいる。
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.
彼は会社を辞めて自前で商売を始めた。
He quit his job and started his own business.
自前の店を持つことが夢だ。
My dream is to have my own shop.
Compound of 自 (self) and 前 (front, before). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning likely developed from 'in front of oneself' to 'by oneself' or 'at one's own expense.'