早(はや)めに

FORMATION: 早(はや)い (early) + め (somewhat, -ish) + に (adverb marker)

The 〜め pattern indicates 'on the ~ side' or 'somewhat ~':

• 大(おお)きめ (on the large side)
• 小(ちい)さめ (on the small side)
• 遅(おそ)め (on the late side)

NUANCE: 早(はや)めに suggests being prudently early or giving oneself extra time, rather than extremely early.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

• 早(はや)めに出(で)る/出発(しゅっぱつ)する (leave early)
• 早(はや)めに予約(よやく)する (book early)
• 早(はや)めに寝(ね)る (go to bed early)
• 早(はや)めに準備(じゅんび)する (prepare early)