before, prior to

Beginner

15-20 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Formal expression for before an event.

[Noun] + に先立って/に先立ち

開会に先立って、会長が挨拶した。

Kaikai ni sakidatte, kaichou ga aisatsu shita.

Prior to the opening, the chairman gave a greeting.

発売に先立ち、試食会を行う。

Hatsubai ni sakidachi, shishokukai wo okonau.

Before the sale, we will hold a tasting event.

Formal - common in announcements.

～に際して

on the occasion of, when

～に違いない

must be ~, no doubt that ~, undoubtedly

～に関して/関する

regarding ~, concerning ~, about ~

～について/つい

about ~, concerning ~

～に伴って/伴い/伴う

along with ~, as ~ (changes)

Common in formal and business contexts.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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