以前

• Reading: いぜん
• Romaji: izen
• Kanji breakdown: 以 (i) — by means of, from; 前 (zen) — before, front
• Pronunciation: /i.zeɴ/

Meaning

Before; previously; in the past. Also used as a suffix meaning before a point in time.

A noun and suffix indicating a time before the present or before a specified point. As an adverb, 以前 means 'previously' or 'formerly' (以前はよく走っていた — I used to run a lot). As a suffix, it attaches to time expressions (三年以前 — more than three years ago). Contrasts with 以後 (after) and 以降 (from that point onward).

Examples

1. 以前はここにコンビニがあった。 There used to be a convenience store here.
2. 彼とは以前に一度会ったことがある。 I've met him once before.
3. 出発の一時間以前に集合してください。 Please gather at least one hour before departure.

Usage Guide

Context: daily conversation, writing, time expressions

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 以 (by means of, from) and 前 (before, front). Together they indicate everything up to and including a certain point in time.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal