What does ～の手前 mean? Japanese grammar N1

Forming it

How to use it

States that because A (a person/circumstance) is watching, one is forced to act to save face. Not the time-related meaning.

• 「～の手前」 = because A (someone watching) is present, one must save face and can't act otherwise.
• The following clause is usually 「～わけにはいかない／～ざるを得ない」 — something one is forced to do out of pride.
• Do NOT confuse with 「手前」 meaning position ("in front of") or time — this grammar point is about SAVING FACE.

Examples

• 後輩(こうはい)の手前(てまえ)、弱音(よわね)を吐(は)くわけにはいかない。

  With my juniors watching, I can’t let myself complain.

• 大口(おおぐち)をたたいた手前(てまえ)、途中(とちゅう)でやめられない。

  Having boasted about it, I can’t quit halfway.

Keep in mind

• A is a witness or something already said.
• The clause that follows states what one is obliged to do to save face.

Common mistakes

• Wrong試験(しけん)の手前(てまえ)、遊(あそ)びに行(い)くのはやめた。

  Before the exam, I stopped going out to play.

  Correct試験(しけん)の前(まえ)、遊(あそ)びに行(い)くのはやめた。

  The meaning "before the exam" (time) uses 「～の前」; 「～の手前」 is about SAVING FACE in front of others.

• Wrong後輩(こうはい)の手前(てまえ)、うれしかった。

  With my juniors there, I felt happy.

  Correct後輩(こうはい)の手前(てまえ)、弱音(よわね)を吐(は)けない。

  The following clause states something one MUST do/can't do to save face, not a neutral feeling.

Exam tips

• 「の手前」 = must save face because A is watching; DIFFERENT from 「の前」 (time/position).

Related patterns

• ～上は
• ～以上は
• ～からには