Vocabulary

What does 手前 (てまえ, temae) mean?

手前 (てまえ, temae) means this side, in front (of oneself); one's own position, standpoint.

Quick facts
Readingてまえ
Romajitemae
Part of speechnoun
Level (estimated, JLPT framework)N2
てまえ
N2 · estimated, JLPT frameworkCommontemae

this side, in front (of oneself); one's own position, standpoint

  1. 1noun before oneself; in front of one; nearby
  2. 2noun a bit before reaching (a location); this side (of a location)
  3. 3noun one's standpoint; one's appearance; face
  4. 4noun skill; dexterity; artistry
  5. 5noun tea-ceremony procedures

Example sentences

  • I couldn't refuse, given it was in front of the customer.

  • Please stop the car just before the station.

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Data sources and licences

Entries, readings and English glosses: JMdict — Electronic Dictionary Research and Development Group (EDRDG), licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Example sentences and their translations written by GoMe.

Voice: VOICEVOX Nemo.

N5–N1 levels on this page are estimates based on the JLPT framework, drawn from community benchmarks. GoMe Nihongo is not affiliated with the Japan Foundation or JEES, which administer the JLPT.