前置(まえお)き

前置(まえお)き refers to introductory remarks made before the main point. Often used when someone takes too long to get to the point, or when the speaker wants to signal they are skipping straight to what matters.

Etymology

前(まえ) (before) + 置(お)き (placing) — literally "placing something before" the main topic.

Common expressions

• 前置(まえお)きが長(なが)い: the preamble is long (often a complaint)
• 前置(まえお)きなしで: without any preface, getting straight to the point
• 前置(まえお)きはいいから: skip the preamble (impatient)
• 前置(まえお)きはさておき: setting the preamble aside

Usage

Often used self-referentially: 前置(まえお)きが長(なが)くなりましたが... ("my preamble has gotten long, but...") is a polite way to transition to the main topic.

Related words

• 本題(ほんだい): main topic (what comes after the 前置(まえお)き)
• 序文(じょぶん): preface (in written works)
• 導入(どうにゅう): introduction (more formal/general)