Grammar › Reason & Excuse
手前(てまえ) — “given that (others are watching), for appearance's sake”
Explains an action as driven by the need to maintain face or keep a promise in front of others
Noun + の + 手前, or a plain-form clause + 手前, gives a reason rooted in maintaining appearances or reputation in front of a specific person or group — “given that X is watching/expecting this, I have to…”. It captures the very human motive of not wanting to look bad or break a promise.
How to form it
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| Noun + の + 手前 | 子供の手前、弱音は吐けない — Given my kids are watching, I can't complain |
| Plain form + 手前 | 引き受けた手前、最後までやるしかない — Having agreed to take it on, I have no choice but to see it through |
Example sentences
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 部下の手前、上司として毅然としていなければならない。 | ぶかのてまえ、じょうしとしてきぜんとしていなければならない。 bukanotemae、joushitoshitekizentoshiteinakerebanaranai。 | With my subordinates watching, I have to stay composed as their boss. |
| 大きなことを言った手前、今さら諦められない。 | おおきなことをいったてまえ、いまさらあきらめられない。 ookinakotowoittatemae、imasaraakiramerarenai。 | Having talked big, I can't back out now. |
| みんなの前で宣言した手前、途中でやめるわけにはいかない。 | みんなのまえでせんげんしたてまえ、とちゅうでやめるわけにはいかない。 minnanomaedesengenshitatemae、tochuudeyameruwakenihaikanai。 | Having declared it in front of everyone, I can't quit halfway. |
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Watch out
手前 specifically points to a social pressure — some particular person's expectation or your own earlier words — not a general moral obligation; for that broader sense, べきだ or わけにはいかない alone fits better.