Translation guide
The English word 'previous' is used to refer to something that came before in time or order. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 前の (mae no), but the best choice depends on whether you mean 'the one just before,' 'former,' 'prior,' or 'last.' This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each nuance.
Referring to the one just before the current one, such as the previous day, page, or meeting.
The most common and versatile way to say 'previous.' It attaches directly before a noun.
前のページを見てください。
Please look at the previous page.
It was decided at the previous meeting.
Specifically means 'last time' or 'the previous occasion.' Often used for events, meetings, or episodes.
前回の授業で何を学びましたか？
What did you learn in the previous class?
Can mean 'previous' or 'earlier,' but also 'future' depending on context. Use with care; 前の is safer.
先 can also mean 'ahead' or 'future,' so context is key. For clarity, prefer 前の.
先の章で説明しました。
I explained it in the previous chapter.
Describing a person who previously held a position or status, like 'previous boss' or 'former president.'
Attached directly to a role or title to mean 'previous' or 'former.'
前社長は退任しました。
The previous president stepped down.
前の彼女とは別れました。
I broke up with my previous girlfriend.
Means 'former' or 'ex-.' Often used for people who have left a position or relationship. Slightly more formal than 前.
元首相が講演を行った。
The former prime minister gave a lecture.
Refers specifically to a predecessor in a job or role. Formal and businesslike.
Used in formal or written contexts to mean 'prior' or 'preceding,' often in documents or academic writing.
Means 'previous' or 'earlier' in a slightly formal tone. Common in written Japanese.
以前の研究では異なる結果が出た。
Previous research showed different results.
Very formal, used in legal or official documents to mean 'previous' or 'existing.'
従前の規則に従って処理する。
Process according to the previous rules.
Referring to the item before the immediately previous one, e.g., 'the previous page but one.'
Literally 'the one before the previous one.' Casual and clear.
前の前のページに戻ってください。
Please go back to the page before the previous one.
A more compact way to say 'the one before last,' often used with nouns like 前々回 (the time before last).
前々回の会議の議事録を確認する。
Check the minutes of the meeting before last.
While 先 (saki) can mean 'previous' in some compounds, it often means 'ahead' or 'future.' Using 先の alone to mean 'previous' can be ambiguous. Stick to 前の or 以前の for clarity.
先の話は後でしましょう。
Let's talk about that later. (Not 'previous')
前 (mae) is neutral and commonly used for 'previous' in roles or relationships. 元 (moto) often implies a more definitive break or past status, like 'ex-husband' (元夫). 前 can be used for the immediate predecessor, while 元 can refer to any former holder of the title.
昨日、前の先生に会いました。
I met my previous teacher yesterday.
前のモデルはもっと安かった。
The previous model was cheaper.
前任者から引き継ぎを受けました。
I took over from the previous person.