📌 Meaning & Usage
〜手前（てまえ） has two main usages in Japanese:
① Because of… (due to one’s position, role, or situation)
- It expresses a reason based on the speaker’s position or situation, implying that they must act or maintain appearances because of it.
- It often carries a nuance of social obligation, maintaining face, or being compelled by circumstances.
👉 English meanings:
- Because…
- In the position of… so…
📌 Structure
[Noun + の / Verb (plain form)] + 手前
📌 Example Sentences & Explanations
📍 Example 1:
約束した手前、行かないわけにはいかない。
Since I made a promise, I can’t just not go.
➡️ Explanation:
Because I already made a promise (taking the standpoint of someone who promised), I can’t go back on my word.
📍 Example 2:
親の前で言った手前、今さらやめるとは言えない。
Since I said it in front of my parents, I can’t back out now.
➡️ Explanation:
Because it was said in front of someone important (parents here), it’s hard to change it now.
📍 Example 3:
学生の手前、そんな簡単な質問に答えられないのは恥ずかしい。
As a student, it’s embarrassing not to be able to answer such a simple question.
➡️ Explanation:
Since I’m in the position of a student, it would be embarrassing if I couldn’t answer something so simple.
📌 Notes
- Often used in situations involving maintaining face, keeping promises, or obligations due to social roles.
- It has a nuance of self-imposed restraint.
📌 Summary
| Grammar Pattern | Meaning | Structure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 〜手前 | Because…, In the position of…, so | Noun + の / Verb (plain form) + 手前 | Implies social obligation, maintaining face, or self-imposed restraint |
🎁 Quick Tip to Remember
👉 Think of “in front of someone / in that position” → must act / maintain face.
Examples:
- If you promised → must keep it
- If you said it → can’t take it back
- As a student → should be able to answer
