前 Kanji – in front
The Japanese kanji 前 can mean in front, before.
Meaning and Readings
How is 前 read?
前 has the onyomi reading ゼン and the kunyomi readings まえ, -まえ.
In romaji, these readings can be written as zen, mae.
Common Japanese Words Using 前
These common Japanese words contain 前. Select linked kanji to explore their meanings and readings.
- お前（おまえ） — you
- 以前（いぜん） — before, prior to, ago
- 一人前（いちにんまえ） — one portion, one serving, one person
- 駅前（えきまえ） — in front of a station
- 気前（きまえ） — generosity
- 紀元前（きげんぜん） — pre-era, BC, BCE
- 空前（くうぜん） — unprecedented, record-breaking
- 午前（ごぜん） — morning, a.m.
- 午前中（ごぜんちゅう） — in the morning, during the morning
- 左前（ひだりまえ） — wearing a kimono with the right side over the left (normally used only for the dead)