手前
temae, tema
Description
「手前」は、自分に近い方の場所や、何かの少し前の位置をあらわす言葉です。
"手前" is a word that indicates a place close to oneself or a position just before something.
また、人前での自分の立場や体面という意味でも使われ、少し古い言い方では「おまえ」のように相手を指すこともあります。
Also, it is used to mean one's position or face in front of others, and in somewhat old-fashioned usage, it can refer to the other person like "おまえ".
Meanings
手前temae
the area or side nearer to oneself
駅の手前で車を止めてください。
Please stop the car just before the station.
手前temae
one's social position or appearance before others
子どもの手前、怒れなかった。
I couldn't get angry in front of the child.
手前temae
I, me (humble); or you (rough, old-fashioned)
手前どもの店をよろしくお願いします。
Please take care of our shop.
Related words
Notes
- Etymology
手 (hand) + 前 (front), literally the space in front of one's hand, hence 'near side'.
- Nuance
as a pronoun 手前 (temae/temee) sounds humble in 手前ども but insulting when addressing someone.
Images