先日

• Reading: せんじつ
• Romaji: senjitsu
• Kanji breakdown: 先 (sen) — previous, ahead; 日 (jitsu) — day
• Pronunciation: /seɴ.d͡ʑi.t͡sɯ/

Meaning

The other day; a few days ago. A polite way to refer to a recent past event.

A noun used adverbially to indicate a recent but unspecified past date, typically within the last week or two. More formal than この前 (kono mae) and commonly used in business emails, speeches, and polite conversation. Often appears at the start of a sentence: 先日はありがとうございました (thank you for the other day).

Examples

1. 先日はお忙しいところありがとうございました。 Thank you for taking the time the other day despite your busy schedule.
2. 先日買った本がとても面白かった。 The book I bought the other day was really interesting.
3. 先日の会議で決まったことを報告します。 I'd like to report on what was decided at the meeting the other day.

Usage Guide

Context: business, polite conversation, emails

Tone: polite

Origin & History

Compound of 先 (sen, previous/ahead) and 日 (jitsu, day). Together, 'a previous day' — referring to a recent date in the past.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal