N1 Intention and Volition

~手前てまえ: meaning, usage and examples

~手前てまえ means: because... / considering... (one must...).

Updated 9 November 2026 · By the My Senpai team · Spotted a mistake? Tell us

Examples

1. 「任まかせてください」と言いった手前てまえ、失敗しっぱいするわけにはいかない。

   Having said 'Leave it to me,' I cannot possibly fail.

2. 子供こどもたちの手前てまえ、父親ちちおやとして立派りっぱな姿すがたを見みせたい。

   In front of my children, I want to set a good example as a father.

3. 部下ぶかに厳きびしく注意ちゅういした手前てまえ、自分じぶんが遅刻ちこくするわけにはいかない。

   Having scolded my staff so strictly, I can't very well be late myself.

4. 招待しょうたいしてくれた田中たなかさんの手前てまえ、途中とちゅうで帰かえるのは気きが引ひけた。

   Out of consideration for Mr. Tanaka, who had invited me, I felt awkward about leaving early.

When to use it

Means "since I have already done or said X (or since Y is watching), I have to act accordingly." It is about saving face: having said something, you feel bound to follow through. With a person, it means "in front of" or "out of consideration for" them: 「やると言いった手前てまえ、途中とちゅうでやめられない」.

Nuance

Spoken and written, slightly formal. The second clause usually expresses obligation or impossibility: わけにはいかない, なければならない, ざるを得えない, or a feeling of awkwardness (気きが引ひける). Used mainly about the speaker's own position and reputation.

Compare

から / 以上いじょう give a plain logical reason: 約束やくそくした以上いじょう、守まもる (I promised, so I keep it, as a matter of principle). 手前てまえ adds face: 約束やくそくした手前てまえ、守まもらないと格好かっこうがつかない (I promised, so backing out would look bad). 手前てまえ is about how others see you.

Tip: Think "for appearance's sake." If the sentence is about not losing face in front of someone, 手前てまえ fits; if it is pure logic, use 以上いじょう.