手前
Meanings
- before, in front of
- in one’s presence or sight
- from one’s standpoint or position
- in one’s own case or situation
About this pattern
Explanation
手前 has several related uses. It can mean being physically in front of someone (in their presence) or in front of them in a literal sense, but it is also used to refer to one’s own position or perspective in a situation. When you say something "in someone’s手前" you’re indicating that you are doing or not doing something within that person’s presence or impact, often carrying a sense of accountability or propriety. It can also express something done from one’s own standpoint or “in my/our position.” The nuance often implies consideration of others’ feelings or the social context, especially in formal or polite speech.
Learn in context
Example sentences
I can’t lie in front of him.
In my case, I can’t talk about this any further.
From my seat, I was asked to speak during the meeting.
In my position, I have no room to accept that proposal.
Keep studying
More N2 patterns
to be able to; can; possible to do
View detailsUnable to; Cannot; Cannot possibly
View detailsCan't help doing; Have no choice but to...
View detailsto not ~; un~; archaic negative form of ず used in literary Japanese
View detailsWith the intention of doing; Instead of...; Act as if or pretend; Believing that...; Thinking that...
View detailsanyhow; at any rate; in any case; I have no doubt that; probably
View details