前書(まえが)き

まえがき
noun
preface; foreword; introduction
media
1. preface; foreword; introduction
An introductory section at the beginning of a book or document, typically written by the author to explain the purpose, scope, or background of the work.
前書(まえが)きを読(よ)む。
To read the preface.
この本(ほん)の前書(まえが)きは著者(ちょしゃ)が書(か)いた。
The author wrote this book's preface.
前書(まえが)きには、この研究(けんきゅう)の目的(もくてき)と背景(はいけい)が書(か)かれている。
The preface describes the purpose and background of this research.

Usage

A compound of 前(まえ) (before, front) + 書(か)き (writing). Refers specifically to the introductory text that precedes the main content of a book or document.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 序文(じょぶん): a more formal term for a preface or introduction, often used for academic or literary works
  • 後書(あとが)き: afterword — the concluding remarks at the end of a book

Related Words

Synonym: 序文(じょぶん) (more formal)
Antonym: あとがき (afterword)
Compare: 序論(じょろん) (introduction)
Compare: 序説(じょせつ) (introduction)
Compare: 緒言(しょげん) (preface)
general
Added 2026.3.16 12:04 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
17000/17127_maegaki