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Japanese grammar

What does ～に先立ち／～に先立って mean? Japanese grammar N2

～に先立ち／～に先立って means before… (preparing for a major event).

Quick facts
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)N2
StructureN + に先立ち／に先立って
Vる + に先立って
Romajinisakidachi／nisakidatte
Meaningbefore… (preparing for a major event)

Forming it

Noun開会 → 開会に先立ち
Verb出発する → 出発するに先立って

How to use it

States something done BEFORE an important event, usually a preparatory step. Formal written style.

  • 「に先立ち」 = before … takes place: 「会議に先立ち、資料をお配りします」.
  • The event must be LARGE and scheduled (会議・開会・出発・発売) — everyday matters use 「前に」.
  • The second clause is a preparatory step or procedure; not used for something that randomly happens before.

Examples

  • Prior to the meeting, we will distribute the materials.

  • Ahead of the new product launch, a press conference was held.

Keep in mind

  • Only used for an important, scheduled event.
  • Everyday matters use 「前に」.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong寝(ね)るに先立(さきだ)って、歯(は)を磨(みが)いた。

    Before sleeping, I brush my teeth.

    Correct寝(ね)る前(まえ)に、歯(は)を磨(みが)いた。

    Everyday matters use 「前に」.

  • Wrong会議(かいぎ)の先立(さきだ)ち、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)ち、資料(しりょう)を配(くば)る。

    The particle is 「に」.

Exam tips

  • 「に先立ち」 = before a large event (preparation); minor matters use 「前に」.

Related patterns

All N2 grammar →