前例

• Reading: ぜんれい
• Romaji: zenrei
• Kanji breakdown: 前 (zen) — prior, before; 例 (rei) — example, case
• Pronunciation: /ze.ɴ.ɾe.i/

Meaning

Precedent; previous example. A prior case used to justify or guide present decisions.

A noun used in legal, administrative, and social contexts. 前例がない (unprecedented) and 前例に倣う (to follow precedent) are key phrases. In Japanese institutional culture, precedent holds significant weight — deviating from 前例 can require careful justification. Contrast with 先例 (judicial precedent), which is more specifically legal.

Examples

1. このような判決は前例のないものとして、法曹界に衝撃を与えた。 The ruling sent shockwaves through the legal world as an unprecedented decision.
2. 前例に倣った対応では、変化の激しい現代社会には対応できない。 Responding by simply following precedent cannot keep up with today's rapidly changing society.
3. 会社として前例を作ることへの慎重な姿勢は理解できるが、柔軟性も必要だ。 The company's cautious attitude towards setting a precedent is understandable, but flexibility is also necessary.

Usage Guide

Context: law, administration, business, institutions

Tone: measured

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 前 (zen) means before or prior, 例 (rei) means example or case. Together: 'a prior example.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Universal