Japanese grammar

What does ～にさきだって mean? Japanese grammar N2

～にさきだって means ahead of (a main event), doing something to prepare.

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)	N2
Structure	Vる + に先立って N + に先立って
Romaji	nisakidatte
Meaning	ahead of (a main event), doing something to prepare

Forming it

Noun	会議 + に先立って
Verb	開始する + に先立って

How to use it

States something done before an important event, usually as preparation; formal, written style.

「～に先立って」 states an action carried out BEFORE a main event, usually as a preparatory step: "before…". Formal, written/announcement style.
Emphasizes time sequence: the action in the second clause (preparation) happens before the event in the first clause.
Different from 「～前に」 (before, neutral, broad): 「に先立って」 is formal, used for an important event involving preparation.

Examples

会議(かいぎ)に先立(さきだ)って、資料(しりょう)を配布(はいふ)します。
Prior to the meeting, we will distribute the materials.
工事(こうじ)に先立(さきだ)って、説明(せつめい)会(かい)が開(ひら)かれた。
Prior to the construction, a briefing session was held.

Keep in mind

「に先立ち」 is the written form.
The noun refers to an important event, not used for trivial matters.

Common mistakes

Wrong食事(しょくじ)に先立(さきだ)って、手(て)を洗(あら)う。

Wash your hands before eating.

Correct食事(しょくじ)の前(まえ)に、手(て)を洗(あら)う。

Everyday matters use 「前に」; 「に先立って」 is reserved for an important event involving preparation.
Wrong会議(かいぎ)に先立(さきだ)ってに、資料(しりょう)を配(くば)る。

Before the meeting, distribute the materials.

Correct会議(かいぎ)に先立(さきだ)って、資料(しりょう)を配(くば)る。

「に先立って」 attaches directly, without adding 「に」.

Exam tips

「に先立って」 = before an important event (preparation); everyday matters use 「前に」.

Related patterns

All N2 grammar →