1.
preamble; preface; preliminary remarks
Introductory statements made before getting to the main point.
前置きなしで言うね。
I'll say it without any preface.
前置きはいいから本題に入ってください。
Skip the preamble and get to the main point.
前置きが長くなりましたが、本題に移ります。
The preamble got long, but let me move to the main topic.
前置き 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 (before) + 置き (placing) — literally "placing something before" the main topic.
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 前置きが長い: the preamble is long (often a complaint)
- 前置きなしで: without any preface, getting straight to the point
- 前置きはいいから: skip the preamble (impatient)
- 前置きはさておき: setting the preamble aside
USAGE:
Often used self-referentially: 前置きが長くなりましたが... ("my preamble has gotten long, but...") is a polite way to transition to the main topic.
RELATED:
- 本題: main topic (what comes after the 前置き)
- 序文: preface (in written works)
- 導入: introduction (more formal/general)