“〜ni sakidatte・〜ni sakidachi”: Prior to 〜 (preparing beforehand) [JLPT N2]

By Nihongo to Japan · Updated July 3, 2026

A formal expression for ‘doing preparation before something.'

“〜ni sakidatte・〜ni sakidachi”: Prior to 〜 (preparing beforehand)

「(noun/verb dict. form) ＋ に先立(さきだ)って/に先立ち」 means “prior to 〜 (doing some preparation first)” — before a formal, major matter, carrying out related preparation or steps. E.g. 「式典に先立って、リハーサルを行った」 (prior to the ceremony, we held a rehearsal), 「出発に先立ち、最終確認をした」 (prior to departure, we did a final check). It's a written, formal expression, usually preceded by formal occasions like ceremonies, meetings, or events; the latter clause is preparatory action.

🧠 Core nuance: before a major matter, get preparation done first

The core is carrying out related preparation ‘before' a formal, major matter occurs: it stresses prior preparation, groundwork (rehearse before the ceremony, check before departure, address before the opening). 「先立つ」 = ‘go ahead, before….' ⚠️ Difference from the plain 「前に (before)」: 「に先立って」 leans formal, written, preceded by major/formal matters (式典, 会議, 開会, 発売); 「前に」 is general, fine for everyday (食べる前に). It's common in business, ceremonies, official settings, for gravity. Connection: nouns attach directly ＋ に先立って (出発に先立って); verbs use the dict. form ＋ のに先立って. 「に先立ち」 is the more written form of 「に先立って」, same meaning.

📌 How to Connect

💬 Example Sentences

• 式典に先立って、リハーサルを行った。(Prior to the ceremony, we held a rehearsal.) — before a formal event
• 出発に先立ち、全員で最終確認をした。(Prior to departure, everyone did a final check.) — written
• 新製品の発売に先立って、記者会見が開かれた。(Prior to the new product's release, a press conference was held.) — business
• 開会に先立ち、社長より挨拶があった。(Prior to the opening, the president gave a greeting.) — formal setting
• 工事の開始に先立って、近隣住民への説明会を行った。(Prior to starting construction, we held an info session for nearby residents.) — official

🔄 Compare: に先立って vs 前に vs にあたって vs を前に

⚠️ Common Mistakes

1. に先立って for everyday: it's too formal; everyday uses 前に (食べる前に, ✗ 食べるに先立って).
2. Preceded by major matters: に先立って is mostly preceded by formal matters like ceremonies, meetings, releases.
3. Connection: nouns attach directly ＋ に先立って; verbs use ‘dict. form ＋ のに先立って.'
4. に先立ち ≒ に先立って: に先立ち is more written, same meaning.

💡 Nuance & When to Use

に先立って・に先立ち mean “prior to 〜 (doing preparation first),” carrying out related preparation or steps before a formal, major matter (rehearse before the ceremony, check before departure, press conference before release). It's a written, formal expression, preceded by formal matters like ceremonies, meetings, events, with the latter clause being preparation. Different from the general, everyday 前に — に先立って leans formal and dignified, suited to business, ceremonies, official settings. A must at N2.

🎯 JLPT Exam Tips

• High-frequency N2: noun ＋ に先立って/に先立ち = prior to 〜 (preparing first, formal, written, major matters); verbs use のに先立って.
• Core distinction: に先立って (formal, major matters) vs 前に (general, everyday).
• Nuance: suited to business, ceremonies, official settings, for gravity.

🖊️ 練習題（5題）

Q1. 「式典___、リハーサルを行った。」（典禮之前先彩排）

(A) に先立って　(B) について　(C) によって　(D) にとって

Q2. 「に先立って」が最も合う場面は?

(A) 正式・重大活動的事前準備

(B) 朋友間的閒聊

(C) 撒嬌

(D) 道歉

Q3. 「出発に先立ち、確認する」の意味は?

(A) 出發之前(先)確認

(B) 出發之後確認

(C) 一邊出發一邊確認

(D) 不確認

Q4. 「に先立って」と「前に」の違いは?

(A) に先立って＝正式・重大活動的事前(書面);前に＝通用日常

(B) 兩者完全相同

(C) に先立って＝日常口語

(D) 前に＝最正式

Q5. 接法が正しいのは?

(A) 開会に先立って挨拶する。　(B) 開会を先立って。

(C) 開会に先立ってのに。　(D) 開会が先立つて。

答案解析

1. (A) に先立って ── 典禮之前先彩排。

2. (A) ── 正式・重大活動的事前。

3. (A) ── 出發之前(先)確認。

4. (A) ── に先立って 正式書面;前に 通用。

5. (A) ── 「開会に先立って」正確。