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JLPT N3Grammar
~に先立って

prior to, before, preceding

Intermediate
20-25 min
common
Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates something done before another event.

Formation

[Noun] + に先立って

Examples

会議に先立って、資料を配布した。

Kaigi ni sakidatte, shiryou wo haifu shita.

Prior to the meeting, we distributed materials.

開店に先立って、記念式典が行われた。

Kaiten ni sakidatte, kinen shikiten ga okonawareta.

Preceding the store opening, a ceremony was held.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

More formal than 前に.

Study Tips

Memory Aids

  • 先立つ = to go ahead → prior to

Practice Tips

Common in formal announcements.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated:

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