(ぜんじつ)

ぜんじつ
noun
previous day, day before
1. previous day, day before
The day immediately before a particular event or date. Often used to describe preparations or events occurring the day before something important.
You should go to bed early the day before the exam.
I made preparations the day before the wedding.
Please contact us by the day before.
I packed my luggage the day before the trip.
I was nervous the day before the tournament and couldn't sleep much.

前日(ぜんじつ) means "the day before" a specific referenced event or date. Unlike 昨日(きのう) (yesterday), which is relative to today, 前日(ぜんじつ) is relative to a particular occasion.

DISTINCTION:

  • 前日(ぜんじつ): the day before [an event] — used in narratives and formal contexts
  • 昨日(きのう): yesterday — relative to the present moment

COMMON PATTERNS:

REGISTER:
Slightly formal. Common in written text, announcements, and narratives. In casual speech, people might say (まえ)() instead.

RELATED TIME EXPRESSIONS:

Related Words