前提

• Pinyin: qián tí
• Hanzi breakdown: 前 = 止 + 月 + 刂, before/front; 提 = 扌(hand) + 是, to raise/put forward

Meaning

Premise; prerequisite; precondition. A condition that must exist before something else can happen.

Used in formal discussions and arguments: 在...的前提下 (on the premise that), 基本前提 (basic premise), 前提条件 (prerequisite). Essential in logical reasoning, negotiations, and academic writing.

Examples

1. 合作的前提是双方互相信任。 The premise of cooperation is mutual trust between both parties.
2. 在保证质量的前提下，我们可以讨论降低成本。 On the premise of ensuring quality, we can discuss reducing costs.
3. 这个结论的前提是数据必须准确。 The premise of this conclusion is that the data must be accurate.

Usage Guide

Context: logic, negotiation, academic

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 在这个前提下，我们可以继续讨论。(On this premise, we can continue the discussion.)
• 安全是一切工作的前提。(Safety is the prerequisite for all work.)

Don't Say

• 这是前提之一。(While grammatically correct, 前提 usually implies a fundamental condition — use 条件之一 for one of several conditions)

Origin & History

前 (qián, before/front) + 提 (tí, to raise/put forward). Something put forward beforehand; a precondition.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal