Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Beforehand" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "beforehand", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
あらかじめ
あらかじめ (arakajime)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
予め
予め(あらかじめ)
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "beforehand" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between あらかじめ and 予め.
In Japanese, あらかじめ (あらかじめ (arakajime)) is typically associated with "beforehand, in advance, previously" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Emphasizes preparation or action taken prior to a specific event. ある時点より前に、準備として何かを行うこと。.
On the other hand, 予め (予め(あらかじめ)) maps to "beforehand; in advance; previously" (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "beforehand" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "あらかじめ"
会議の資料はあらかじめ目を通しておいてください。
Please review the meeting materials beforehand.
Bilingual Context for "予め"
私は予めに興味があります。
I am interested in beforehand; in advance; previously.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会議の資料は ＿＿＿ 目を通しておいてください。" (Meaning: "Please review the meeting materials beforehand.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "あらかじめ" fits here because it means "beforehand, in advance, previously" in the context of: "Please review the meeting materials beforehand.". "予め" represents "beforehand; in advance; previously".