N236/217

手前

Noun + の手前手前で手前を

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

彼の手前、嘘はつけない。

I can’t lie in front of him.

私の手前、これ以上は話せません。

In my case, I can’t talk about this any further.

会議中、手前の席から発言を求められた。

From my seat, I was asked to speak during the meeting.

この手前、私にはその提案を受け入れる余地がない。

In my position, I have no room to accept that proposal.