JLPT N1 Grammar

〜てまえ (temae)

〜てまえ (temae)

“Because of...; in front of...; due to the position of...”

This expression is used to indicate that because of a certain social position, a promise made, or a specific situation, the speaker feels a strong sense of social pressure, moral obligation, or the need to save face. It suggests that "considering the circumstances or who is watching, I have no choice but to do X" or "I cannot do Y."

  • Formality: Formal to Neutral. It is frequently used in professional settings or formal social interactions.
  • Context: Most common in spoken business Japanese, formal apologies, or internal monologues regarding one's reputation. It is often used when explaining a difficult decision or a necessary action to an external party.
  • Nuance: It carries a strong sense of social responsibility or "face" (appearance). The speaker feels that failing to act in a certain way would be embarrassing or would damage their credibility in the eyes of others. It is often used with expressions of necessity (〜なければならない) or impossibility (〜わけにはいかない).

Format

  • Verb (Dictionary/Ta/Te-iru form) + てまえ
    「すぐに行きます」と言ったてまえ、遅れるわけにはいかない。 Because I said "I'll be there right away," I can't afford to be late.
  • Noun + の + てまえ
    客のてまえ、笑顔で対応せざるを得ない。 In front of the customers (to maintain appearances), I have no choice but to respond with a smile.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Because I accepted the role of project leader, I cannot afford to start whining.
  • 、。
    Since I declared that I would absolutely make it a success, I must see it through no matter what.
  • 、。
    To save face in front of my subordinates, I need to maintain a resolute attitude as their boss.
  • 、。
    Since I was the one who proposed it, it's hard to voice an opposing opinion at this late stage.
  • 、。
    Because I tell my children to study, I can't just spend all my time playing as a parent.
  • 、。
    Considering our standing with other companies, we cannot keep this scandal completely hidden.
  • 、。
    Since I am borrowing money from him, his request is difficult to refuse.
  • 、。
    Because I call myself an expert, it is embarrassing not to be able to answer basic questions.
  • 、。
    Since I accepted it once, I should take responsibility until the very end.
  • 、。
    Out of respect for my predecessor (to maintain appearances), I feel awkward about changing the way things are done so suddenly.

Similar Grammar

〜以上 (ijō)

“Since; now that”
契約した以上、ルールは守らなければならない。 Since you signed the contract, you must follow the rules.

Difference:

  • 〜以上 is a logical "since." It focuses on the fact that because A happened, B is a natural consequence.
  • 〜てまえ focuses on the social pressure and the need to maintain one's reputation or "face."

〜からには (kara ni wa)

“Now that; since (strong resolve)”
やるからには、一番を目指したい。 Now that I'm doing it, I want to aim for number one.

Difference:

  • 〜からには expresses a strong personal determination or a logical certainty.
  • 〜てまえ is more about the external/social constraint of "I've already committed, so I can't back out without looking bad."

〜手前 (temae - physical)

“In front of (spatial)”
郵便局は銀行のすぐ手前にあります。 The post office is just before (this side of) the bank.

Difference:

  • This is the literal, physical use of the word.
  • The grammar point above is a metaphorical extension—being "in front of" someone's eyes or a situation.

〜たばかりに (ta bakari ni)

“Just because (negative result)”
嘘をついたばかりに、信用を失った。 Just because I told a lie, I lost my credibility.

Difference:

  • This indicates a cause that led to a regrettable result.
  • 〜てまえ is about the obligation felt before the action or the reason for a necessary action.

〜ものだから (mono da kara)

“Because... (excuse/explanation)”
渋滞していたものだから、遅れてしまいました。 Because there was a traffic jam (you see), I ended up being late.

Difference:

  • Used to give a reason or an excuse in a softer, more personal way.
  • 〜てまえ is much more about duty and social standing.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. 、のに（　　　）、をことは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. と（　　　）、がのは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. のは、（　　　）、せざるを得ない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. （　　　）、のがこともある。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. の（　　　）、をするわけにはいかない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. として（　　　）、にをなければならない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. はな（　　　）、からのも。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. 「」と（　　　）、にのは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. はが（　　　）、をようなことは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. のでの（　　　）、を。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. （　　　）、をが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. と（　　　）、とは。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. の（　　　）、は。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. が（　　　）、はになった。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. （　　　）、でわけにはいかない。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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