Front meanings in Japanese

前 (まえ)

Example:

She stood in front of the mirror.

彼女は鏡の前に立っていました。

The car is parked in front of the house.

車は家の前に駐車されています。

Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday situations to describe physical location.

Note: Commonly used in spatial contexts, '前' can refer to both literal and figurative fronts, such as in front of an object or in front of a group.

前面 (ぜんめん)

Example:

The front of the building is beautifully designed.

その建物の前面は美しく設計されています。

The front of the car was damaged in the accident.

事故で車の前面が壊れました。

Usage: formalContext: Used in architectural or technical contexts to refer to the front side of an object.

Note: This term is more specific and often used in discussions related to construction, design, and engineering.

表 (おもて)

Example:

Turn the paper over to the front side.

紙を裏返して表側を見てください。

The front of the card has a beautiful picture.

カードの表には美しい絵があります。

Usage: informalContext: Used to describe the surface that is facing outward or is intended to be seen.

Note: '表' can also indicate the 'face' of something, such as a facade or a display side.

最前線 (さいぜんせん)

Example:

The soldiers are on the front line.

兵士たちは最前線にいます。

This issue is at the front line of our discussions.

この問題は私たちの議論の最前線にあります。

Usage: formalContext: Used in military or strategic contexts to denote the forefront of an operation.

Note: Refers to a critical position, often in military engagements or discussions about pressing issues.

フロント

Example:

I need to talk to the front desk.

フロントに話しかける必要があります。

She works at the front office.

彼女はフロントオフィスで働いています。

Usage: informalContext: Commonly used in the context of hotels, offices, and customer service.

Note: Borrowed from English, 'フロント' is often used in business and hospitality settings.

fore

Fore is used to refer to the front part of something, especially a ship or aircraft.

Example: The fore part of the ship was damaged in the storm.

Note: Fore is more commonly used in nautical or aviation contexts.

frontage

Frontage refers to the front part of a building that faces a street or open space.

Example: The store has a large frontage on the main street.

Note: Frontage specifically refers to the facing part of a building.

facade

Facade is the face or front of a building, especially one that is imposing or decorative.

Example: The facade of the building was intricately designed.

Note: Facade often implies a decorative or outward appearance.

In the front

This phrase refers to being positioned at the foremost part of something, like a location or a group.

Example: Please sit in the front row for better visibility.

Note: The phrase 'in the front' specifies a specific location or position, unlike the general word 'front'.

Front and center

To be at the forefront or the most prominent position in a situation or event.

Example: She wanted to be front and center in the presentation.

Note: This idiom emphasizes being not just at the front but also at the central focus, symbolizing high visibility and importance.

Put on a brave front

To act confidently or courageously outwardly, despite inner feelings of fear or doubt.

Example: Even though she was scared, she put on a brave front for her team.

Note: This phrase goes beyond physical positioning and relates to maintaining a certain demeanor or appearance in challenging situations.

Front-runner

A person or thing that is leading or winning in a competition or contest.

Example: He emerged as the front-runner in the race for the championship title.

Note: This term specifically denotes a position of advantage or superiority in a competitive context.

Front and back

To examine or consider something in its entirety, including all aspects or sides.

Example: Make sure to check the document thoroughly, front and back.

Note: In this phrase, 'front and back' means to cover both the visible parts and the hidden or less obvious parts, unlike just focusing on the front side.

Back to front

In the opposite or reverse order or direction from the usual or expected.

Example: She had sewn the dress back to front, so the zipper was in the front.

Note: This idiom refers to a complete reversal or incorrect orientation, contrasting with the typical front-facing arrangement.

Put your best foot forward

To make a good impression by displaying one's best qualities or efforts.

Example: When you meet the interviewer, remember to put your best foot forward.

Note: While 'front' can refer to a physical position, this idiom focuses on presenting oneself in the most positive and favorable way possible.

Up front

This term means being open, honest, or straightforward about something, often used to describe someone's demeanor or communication style.

Example: He was upfront about his mistake and apologized immediately.

Note: While 'front' can simply refer to the forward part of something, 'up front' specifically implies transparency or honesty.

Frontin'

This urban slang term means pretending, putting on a false facade, or acting in a way that is not genuine.

Example: Stop frontin' like you're the boss when everyone knows you're not.

Note: The slang term 'frontin'' is informal and implies a sense of deception or lack of authenticity compared to the original word 'front.'

Front row seat

This phrase refers to a prime or highly desirable location that offers a close and unobstructed view, often used metaphorically to describe being in a privileged position.

Example: She got a front row seat to the concert, so she could see the band up close.

Note: While 'front' can refer to the forward part of something, 'front row seat' conveys the idea of being in a prominent or advantageous position to witness an event.

Front man/woman

This term refers to the lead singer or prominent member of a musical group or organization who is the face or spokesperson for the group.

Example: The frontwoman of the band always steals the show with her energetic performances.

Note: The term 'front man/woman' is specifically used in the context of a representative or figurehead, differentiating it from the general term 'front.'

On the front lines

This expression signifies being at the forefront of a challenging situation or actively engaged in a demanding or risky task, often used in reference to those facing prominent difficulties.

Example: Doctors and nurses are on the front lines of the battle against the pandemic.

Note: The phrase 'on the front lines' extends the meaning of 'front' to represent the most immediate and intense part of a situation, emphasizing the intensity or significance of one's involvement.

Frontin' like a bandit

This slang phrase combines 'frontin'' and 'like a bandit' to convey the image of someone putting on a tough or intimidating act despite inner fears or insecurities.

Example: He's frontin' like a bandit, acting all tough but we all know he's scared.

Note: The phrase 'frontin' like a bandit' is a playful and exaggerated way of describing someone's behavior, merging two slang terms for added emphasis and imagery.

Fronted

This slang term means to act as if one has a certain quality or status, often used in a boastful or exaggerated manner.

Example: He fronted like he owned the place, but in reality, he was just a visitor.

Note: While 'fronted' stems from 'front,' it specifically refers to exaggerating or boasting about a position or attribute, projecting a false impression.

The front of the building is very impressive.

She has a scar on her forehead.

The car was hit from the front.

Front - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)

Lemma: front

Conjugations

Adjective (Adjective): front

Noun, plural (Noun, plural): fronts, front

Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): front

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): fronted

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): fronting

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): fronts

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): front

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): front

Syllabification and Stress

front Contains 1 syllables: front

Phonetic transcription: ˈfrənt

front , ˈfrənt (The red syllable is stressed)

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

front: ~ 1300 (Very common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Front