Translation and Meaning of: 前例 - zenrei

The Japanese word 前例 (ぜんれい, zenrei) is a term that often appears in formal and everyday contexts, carrying an important meaning for those studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical use, as well as understand how it is perceived in Japan. If you have encountered this expression in legal texts, news, or conversations, you will discover here why it is so relevant.

In addition to explaining the translation and structure of 前例, we will discuss its role in real situations, such as bureaucratic decisions and social discussions. If you want to memorize it easily or just expand your vocabulary, this guide will help. And if you need more examples, be sure to check out Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary for detailed inquiries.

Meaning and translation of 前例

"Precedent" is composed of two kanji: 前 (zen, "previous") and 例 (rei, "example"). Together, they form the concept of "precedent" or "previous case," referring to past situations that serve as a basis for future decisions. This word is widely used in legal, business, and even everyday contexts when someone wants to justify an action based on something that has happened before.

In English, the most common translation is "precedent," but depending on the context, it can also mean "previous case" or "prior example." It's worth noting that 前例 is not limited to formal settings – Japanese people can use it even in casual conversations, such as when discussing family rules or agreements within a group. If you're learning Japanese, recognizing this word in articles or news will be helpful for understanding arguments based on past experiences.

Origin and structure of kanjis

The etymology of 前例 is straightforward: 前 comes from the radical 刂 (knife side), associated with the idea of "front" or "before," while 例 combines the radical 亻 (person) with 列 (row), suggesting the notion of "a model to be followed." According to Kanjigen, one of the most respected kanji dictionaries, this combination reinforces the sense of something that has already occurred and can be used as a reference.

Interestingly, 例 also appears in words like 例文 (reibun, "example sentence") or 事例 (jirei, "concrete case"), showing its connection to established patterns. To memorize 前例, a tip is to associate the first kanji with "something that came before" and the second with "examples that guide." This logic helps to understand why the term is so used in discussions about rules and traditions in Japan.

Cultural usage and frequency

In Japan, where tradition and hierarchy hold significant weight, 前例 is often invoked to validate choices. Companies and government agencies, for example, justify decisions by citing 前例がある (zenrei ga aru, "there is a precedent"). This aspect reflects a society that values continuity and avoids abrupt breaks, something noticeable even in ceremonies and festivals that have been repeated for centuries.

On the other hand, the excess of attachment to 前例 has been criticized in debates about innovation. Some argue that reliance on past cases can limit necessary changes. This conflict between tradition and progress even appears in Japanese dramas, where characters discuss whether they should follow "precedents" or seek new paths. For Japanese students, observing these contexts enriches the understanding not only of the word but also of the local mindset.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 先例 (Senrei) - Previous example.
• 先例となる事例 (Senrei to naru jirei) - Case that becomes a previous example.
• 前例となる出来事 (Zenrei to naru dekigoto) - Events that become precedents.
• 先例となる前例 (Senrei to naru zenrei) - A precedent that becomes a prior example.