Japanese word

前置き

Pronunciation

Romajimaeoki

Meaning

  • nounintroduction

Example

まず前置きをします。ma zu mae o ki o shi ma su

First, I will give an introduction.

Illustration for 前置き (introduction)

More examples

長い前置きは要りません。naga i mae o ki wa i ri ma se n

We do not need a long preamble.

Core concept

It frames the main point with remarks that come before it.

Common phrases

  • 前置きをするmae o ki o su ru

    give an introduction

  • 前置きとしてmae o ki to shi te

    as a preamble

  • 前置きを省くmae o ki o habu ku

    skip the preamble

Similar words

序文jobun: A written passage placed before the main text to introduce the work.
導入dōnyū: The opening part that leads into the main subject or activity.
前説zensetsu: An explanation given before the main subject or performance begins.

Definition in Japanese

本題に入る前に述べる説明や事情。hon dai ni hai ru mae ni no be ru setsu mei ya ji jō

Word origin

前置き (maeoki) combines 前 (mae, "before") with 置き (oki, "placing"), the noun form of 置く (oku, "to place").

Usage tips

  • English preface often suggests a book, whereas 前置き (maeoki) commonly describes spoken setup as well as written setup.

Other meanings

  • preamblenoun
  • prefacenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word