(さき)

さき
noun
ahead, future, previous, tip
1. ahead, in front
A location further along in space.
There is a station ahead on this road.
Let's walk a little further ahead.
I can't see what's ahead. / I can't see the future.
Ambiguous: sense 1 or 2
There's a convenience store just past the corner.
I can see mountains far ahead.
If you go straight on this road, there's a park ahead.
2. future
Time that has not yet come.
I don't know what will happen in the future.
I can't see what's ahead. / I can't see the future.
Ambiguous: sense 1 or 2
I try not to think about the future.
I don't know what will happen from now on.
If you worry too much about the future, you can't enjoy the present.
3. previous, earlier
Something that happened before.
Please go ahead first.
Excuse me for leaving first.
Please eat first (before me).
Do you remember what we discussed at the previous meeting?
4. tip, end
The pointed or far end of something.
My fingertips are cold.
The tip of my pencil broke.
Please don't poke people with the tip of your umbrella.
The toes of my shoes are dirty.
Please be careful of the needle tip.

(さき) is a highly versatile noun with spatial, temporal, and physical meanings.

SPATIAL (ahead):

TEMPORAL (future / earlier):

  • (さき)こと: what will happen / future matters
  • (さき): first, beforehand (doing something before others)
  • (さき)ほど: a short while ago (polite)

PHYSICAL (tip):

COMMON PHRASES:

COMPOUNDS: