“〜temae”: Out of Regard for One's Position / Face (so one has to…) [JLPT N1]
By Nihongo to Japan · Updated July 3, 2026
Being constrained by one's own position or face
“〜temae”: Out of Regard for One's Position / Face (so one has no choice)
「(verb た-form/noun の) ＋ 手前(てまえ)」 means “out of regard for 〜's position/face, since (in front of others) 〜, (one has no choice but to…)” — being unable not to act a certain way because of one's own position, face, or others' eyes. E.g. 「大口をたたいた手前、後には引けない」 (having boasted big, I can't back down for the sake of face), 「子供の手前、けんかは見せられない」 (out of regard for the kids, we can't let them see us fight).
🧠 Core nuance: face/position is on the line, so you grit your teeth and…
The core is being constrained by face, position, or others' eyes: having said something big, made a declaration, or having a certain standing (in front of the kids, in front of guests), in order not to lose face or standing, one has no choice but to act in line with that face (can't back down, can't give up, can't lose composure). 手前 originally means “in front, one's own side,” extended to “a position mindful of others' eyes.” The latter is often “have to… / can't….”
📌 How to Connect
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| verb た-form ＋ 手前 | since 〜, out of face | 宣言した手前 |
| noun の ＋ 手前 | out of regard for 〜('s eyes) | 子供の手前 |
| latter part | have to… / can't… | 〜手前、断れない |
💬 Example Sentences
- 大口をたたいた手前、今さら後には引けない。(Having boasted big, I can't back down now.) — for the sake of face
- みんなの前で宣言した手前、やめるわけにはいかない。(Having declared it before everyone, I can't quit.) — since I declared
- 自分から招待した手前、文句は言えない。(Since I invited them myself, I can't complain.) — out of regard for my position
- 子供の手前、夫婦げんかは見せられない。(Out of regard for the kids, we can't let them see us fight.) — noun の 手前
- 部下の手前、弱音は吐けない。(In front of my subordinates, I can't show weakness.) — mindful of others' eyes
🔄 Compare: 手前 vs 以上(は) vs からには vs 手前 (spatial)
| Expression | Nuance | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 〜手前 | “out of face/position, must” (mindful of others' eyes) | 宣言した手前 |
| 〜以上(は) | “now that 〜, (logically) should” (logical responsibility) | 約束した以上 |
| 〜からには | “now that 〜, (resolved to)” (determination) | やるからには |
| 手前 (spatial) | “the near side, this side” (location) | 駅の手前 |
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Dropping の with a noun: with a noun use 「noun の ＋ 手前」 (子供の手前); ✗ 子供手前.
- Verb in た-form: mostly the た-form (宣言した手前); indicating one has already done something.
- Confusing with the spatial sense: 駅の手前 = just before the station (location); this grammar is “out of face” — judge by context.
- Latter-clause direction: the latter is “have to… / can't…,” constrained by face.
💡 Nuance & When to Use
手前 (this grammatical sense) means “out of regard for 〜's face, position, or others' eyes, having no choice but to…”: having boasted, declared something, or holding a certain standing (in front of the kids, subordinates), to avoid losing face or standing, one can't back down, show weakness, or complain. It highlights the psychology of “minding others' eyes,” with the latter often “have to / can't.” Use 「noun の 手前」 for a noun. Note 手前 also has a spatial sense (just before…). A must at N1.
🎯 JLPT Exam Tips
- Commonly tested at N1: verb た-form/noun の ＋ 手前 = out of face/position, having to….
- Connection: nouns use noun の 手前; verbs mostly use the た-form.
- Distinction: 手前 (face/others' eyes) vs 以上/からには (logical responsibility/resolve).
🖊️ 練習題（5題）
Q1. 「大口をたたいた___、後には引けない。」（既然誇下海口，礙於面子）
(A) 手前 (B) どころか (C) ばかりに (D) ながらも
Q2. 「子供___手前、けんかは見せられない。」（顧及孩子）
(A) の (B) を (C) が (D) で
Q3. 「宣言した手前やめられない」の意味は?
(A) 既然(在人前)宣告了，礙於面子不能放棄
(B) 可以隨時放棄
(C) 沒有宣告
(D) 想放棄就放棄
Q4. 「手前」の語感は?
(A) 礙於立場/面子，在意他人眼光
(B) 純粹的時間
(C) 表示感謝
(D) 表示條件
Q5. 接法が正しいのは?
(A) 招待した手前、断れない。 (B) 招待するを手前。
(C) 子供手前(名詞は の)。 (D) 招待して手前だ。
答案解析
1. (A) 手前 ── 既然誇下海口,礙於面子。
2. (A) の ── 子供の手前(名詞＋の)。
3. (A) ── 礙於面子不能放棄。
4. (A) ── 礙於立場/面子。
5. (A) ── 「招待した手前」正確。