前者

• 読み: ぜんしゃ
• ローマ字: zensha
• 漢字の分解: 前 (zen) — before, front; 者 (sha) — person, thing
• 発音: /ze.n.ɕa/

意味

The former; the first-mentioned. Used when comparing two things to refer back to the first one.

A noun used in written and formal spoken Japanese to refer to the first of two previously mentioned items. Always paired conceptually with 後者 (kousha, the latter). Essential in academic writing, essays, and formal discussions when drawing comparisons.

例文

1. コーヒーと紅茶では前者のほうが好きだ。
2. 前者は安いが、後者は品質が良い。
3. 二つの案を比べて前者を選んだ。

使い方ガイド

場面: academic writing, essays, formal discussion

トーン: neutral

起源と歴史

Composed of 前 (zen, before/front) and 者 (sha, person/thing). Literally 'the one before,' used to reference the first-mentioned of two items.

文化的背景

時代: Classical

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Educated