前置き

• Reading: まえおき
• Romaji: maeoki
• Kanji breakdown: 前 (mae) — before, front; 置 (oki) — place, put
• Pronunciation: /ma.e.o.ki/

Meaning

Preface; introduction; preamble. Preliminary remarks before getting to the main point.

A noun and suru verb referring to introductory statements made before the main topic. Often used with はさておき or はこのくらいにして (that's enough preamble). Can carry a slightly impatient nuance when someone's preamble is too long (前置きが長い). Pairs naturally with 本題 (main topic): the speaker gives 前置き before entering 本題.

Examples

1. 前置きが長くてなかなか本題に入らない人がいる。 Some people have such a long preamble that they never seem to get to the main point.
2. 前置きはこのくらいにして結論を言います。 That's enough preamble—let me get to the conclusion.
3. 彼はいつも前置きなしでいきなり用件を話し始める。 He always jumps straight into business without any preamble.

Usage Guide

Context: speeches, meetings, conversations, writing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Japanese 前 (mae, before/in front) + 置き (oki, placing). Literally 'placing before,' describing words set before the main message. Follows the native Japanese (kun'yomi) reading pattern rather than Sino-Japanese on'yomi.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal