Refers to the first installment of a serialized work, such as a book, film, or series. Often contrasted with 後編 (latter part).
See also: 後編
I've already read the first part of this novel.
The first part of this movie will be released next month.
I only read the first volume of the novel.
Used for a work that is set before the events of an existing story. Less common than the 'first part' sense; often specified as 前日譚.
See also: 前日譚
This game serves as a prequel to the popular series.
This movie is structured in two parts, a first half and a second half.
前編 is the opening half of a work released as one set with 後編, whereas 続編 is a separate sequel released after the original work is complete.
全編 (whole work) and 前編 (the first part/volume of a work) are pronounced identically but mean opposite things—entirety versus a single opening section.
compilation; editing; edited by · volume; part of a text · literary piece; complete literary work
Standard kanji form; commonly used in news and publishing.
Rarely used kanji form; 篇 is an older variant of 編.
Compound of 前 (zen, 'before') and 編 (hen, 'volume' or 'chapter'). The kanji 編 is standard; 篇 is a variant.