手前
Just Before/Have to because
Noun + のてまえ
Plain form Verb + てまえ
手前 (てまえ) broadly speaking, has 2 meanings:
Noun + 手前: Just before (You/Them)
- Just before something (Physically or sequentially).
- In front of a person or a group
- The area close to you/Close to you. こちら
Verb + 手前: Considering
- Have to since…
There are some other meanings that are either really specific or rare which I am going to skip over.
Noun + 手前
Just Before/Just in front of
The most basic meaning of 手前 is “Just Before“
This may be physically just before, or sequentially just before.
It can additionally refer to in front of other people. (You are “before” them)
手前 has a nuance of “Close” so the “just” part is important.
一歩手前 is commonly used with the sequential 手前 usage.
子供の手前 is very common.
Examples
- 子供の手前は到底できない – I definitely can’t do that in front of children.
- 手前の橋を渡ればすぐです – If you cross the bridge just over there its right there. (Pointing to it)
- 駅の手前にはバス停があるんだ – There’s a bus stop just in front of the station.
- 崩壊の手前だ – Just before collapse.
- 公開の一歩手前だ – A step (just) before opening to the public.
- 親の手前は言えない – I can’t say that in front of my parents.
- 手前の机に座ってください – Sit at the desk right in front of you.
- 手前に引く – Pull it towards you. (Not technically Noun + 手前, I know).
Verb + 手前
I have to since…(Perception)
Verb + 手前 means “Since I’ve done…” or “Now that x has happened…”
It frames the verb before 手前 as the cause of the clause afterwards, similar to から or ので
However unlike から, it tends to be about perception or morality (etiquette)
It tends to be used with “Have to” type grammar like わけにはいかない and なければならない.
Cause + 手前 + Have to do because of perception or morality.
Examples
- 約束した手前、やらないわけにはいかない – Since I’ve promised, I can’t not do it.
- 自慢した手前、もう負けるわけにはいかない – Since I boasted so much I can’t afford to lose.
- 彼女が見ている手前は頑張らなければいけない – I have to try hard since my girlfriend is watching.
- 給料をもらっている手前、しっかり働かないといけない – Since I’m being paid, I have to properly work.