Japanese word

前例

Pronunciation

Romajizenrei

Meaning

  • nounprecedent

Example

この決定には前例がありません。ko no ket tei ni wa zen rei ga a ri ma se n

There is no precedent for this decision.

Illustration for 前例 (precedent)

More examples

この方法は、同じ問題を解決した前例があります。ko no hō hō wa ona ji mon dai o kai ketsu shi ta zen rei ga a ri ma su

There is a precedent for solving the same problem.

Core concept

Describes a past example or decision that serves as a basis for deciding how to deal with a similar later situation.

Common phrases

  • 前例がないzen rei ga na i

    have no precedent

  • 前例を作るzen rei o tsuku ru

    set a precedent

Similar words

先例senrei: An earlier example or decision recognized as a model for handling a similar case.

Definition in Japanese

過去に行われた同様の判断や事例で、後の判断の基準となるもの。ka ko ni okona wa re ta dō yō no han dan ya ji rei de ato no han dan no ki jun to na ru mo no

Word origin

前例 (zenrei) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 前 (zen, "before") and 例 (rei, "example or case"), meaning a case that came before.

Usage tips

  • The phrase set a precedent describes an action that establishes a pattern for similar actions in the future.

Word lists with this word