adverb, noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
the other day; recently; earlier
Refers to a recent, non-specific past time, often within the last few days or weeks. Used adverbially or as a noun with に.
この前、駅で偶然彼に会った。
I ran into him at the station the other day.
この前に話した件はどうなりましたか。
What happened with that matter we discussed earlier?
noun, adverb
last time; the previous occasion
Points to the most recent instance of a recurring event or action. Often used with の to modify a noun.
この前の会議では、新しい提案が承認された。
At the last meeting, the new proposal was approved.
この前はうまくいかなかったけど、今回は大丈夫だ。
It didn't go well last time, but this time it'll be fine.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
last (Sunday, summer, etc.); previous (mayor, chapter); preceding
Attaches directly to a time noun or ordinal noun to mean 'the one just before now'. Common with days of the week, seasons, and sequential items.
この前の日曜日は雨だった。
Last Sunday was rainy.
この前の章で説明したように、問題は複雑だ。
As explained in the previous chapter, the problem is complex.
Compound of この (this) and 前 (before, front). Literally 'this before', it naturally developed the meaning 'the recent past' or 'the previous one'.