前 例(ぜんれい)

ぜんれい

noun

precedent

1. precedent

A previous case or instance that can serve as a reference or standard for similar situations. Often used in legal, administrative, and formal contexts.

前例(ぜんれい)のない事態(じたい)だ。

This is an unprecedented situation.

過去(かこ)の前例(ぜんれい)に従(したが)って判断(はんだん)する。

To make a judgment following past precedent.

この問題(もんだい)に関(かん)しては前例(ぜんれい)がないため、慎重(しんちょう)に対応(たいおう)する必要(ひつよう)がある。

Since there is no precedent for this issue, it needs to be handled carefully.

Very commonly used in the expression 前例(ぜんれい)のない (unprecedented). Japanese organizations often rely heavily on precedent when making decisions, so this word appears frequently in bureaucratic and business contexts.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

前例(ぜんれい)のない: unprecedented
前例(ぜんれい)に従(したが)う: to follow precedent
前例(ぜんれい)を作(つく)る: to set a precedent

general

Added 2026.2.18 15:08

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