1.
before something happens, in advance, preventive
The state before something (usually something undesirable) has occurred. Almost always used in the phrase 未然に防ぐ (to prevent before it happens). In grammar, refers to the irrealis or imperfective form of a verb.
事故を未然に防ぐ。
To prevent an accident before it happens.
犯罪を未然に防止することが重要だ。
It is important to prevent crime before it occurs.
定期検査を行うことで、設備の故障を未然に防ぐことができる。
By conducting regular inspections, equipment malfunctions can be prevented before they happen.
USAGE:
未然 is almost always used in the fixed phrase 未然に防ぐ (to prevent before it happens) or 未然に防止する. It is rarely used independently outside this pattern.
In Japanese grammar, 未然形 (irrealis form) is the name of the first verb conjugation base, used before endings like ない (negative) and れる/られる (passive). The term literally means "the form of what has not yet happened."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 未然に防ぐ: to prevent before it happens
- 未然に防止する: to prevent in advance
- 未然形: irrealis form (grammar term)