前提

• Reading: ぜんてい
• Romaji: zentei
• Kanji breakdown: 前 (zen) — before, front; 提 (tei) — present, carry
• Pronunciation: /zeɴ.teː/

Meaning

Premise; assumption; prerequisite; precondition.

A noun referring to something assumed or required as a basis for further reasoning or action. Used in logical arguments, discussions, and planning to establish foundational conditions. The expressions ～を前提に (on the assumption that) and ～を前提として (premised on) are very common. Essential for academic and business discourse.

Examples

1. 結婚を前提にお付き合いしています。 We are dating with marriage in mind.
2. その議論は間違った前提に基づいている。 That argument is based on a faulty premise.
3. 参加者全員が基礎知識を持っていることを前提として説明します。 I will explain on the assumption that all participants have basic knowledge.

Usage Guide

Context: logic, business, academia

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 前提. 前 (zen) means before or in front, and 提 (tei) means to present or to carry. Together they describe something presented beforehand as a basis, reflecting the logical concept of a premise.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated