The Meaning of temae [手前] In Japanese

手前
てまえ
Romaji: temae N5

What does 手前 mean?

Translation and Meaning

in front of, before, this side, one’s own side

Definition

What does 手前 mean? It denotes proximity or position relative to the speaker, such as in front of or on this side, and it can also refer to one’s own side or self-interest in certain contexts. It is a noun used to describe spatial relation or personal stance and appears across formal and casual speech in a variety of phrases.

Type

Noun (手前)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Spatial meaning: in front of, ahead of, or on the speaker’s side
  • Figurative meaning: one’s own side or position in a situation, sometimes implying self-interest or personal stance
  • Fixed expressions: used in phrases such as 手前味噌 (temae-miso) to indicate self-reference or humility

Composition

  • 手: hand; in compounds it carries senses of personal involvement or proximity
  • 前: front; before; ahead

Usage

Used as a noun indicating position relative to the speaker, and as a pronoun to indicate one’s own side or stance in a discussion; it appears in both formal and casual speech and in directional phrases such as 手前に.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine your hand (手) reaching to the front (前) of a line—that face toward this side, the meaning of 手前.

Variations

  • 前 (mae) — front; near
  • 前方 (zenpō) — in front, romaji: zenpo
  • こちら側 (kochira-gawa) — this side, romaji: kochira-gawa
  • 奥 (oku) — behind, opposite of 手前, romaji: oku
  • 自分の利益 (jibun no rieki) — one’s own interest, romaji: jibun no rieki

Example Phrases

  • 手前 にある 本を 今日中に 取っておく。
    temae ni aru hon o kyoujuu ni totte oku.
    I’ll put away the book that’s in front of me by today.
    Lista:
    • 手前 (temae) – in front
    • にある (ni aru) – exists in / located at
    • 本を (hon o) – book (object marker)
    • 今日中に (kyoujuu ni) – by today
    • 取っておく。 (totte oku) – to set aside
    手前 indicates the location relative to the speaker (in front of me); にある shows that the book exists/is located there, and 取っておく expresses keeping it for later.
手前