1.
predecessor; former occupant of a position
The person who previously held a particular job, role, or position. Used as both a standalone noun and as a modifier.
前任の仕事を引き継ぐ。
To take over the predecessor's work.
前任者から業務の引き継ぎを受けた。
I received a handover of duties from my predecessor.
前任の校長が築いた信頼関係を大切にしていきたい。
I want to cherish the trust that the previous principal built.
Composed of 前 (before/previous) + 任 (duty/appointment). Specifically refers to the person who previously held a position, not a predecessor in a general or hereditary sense.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 前任者: predecessor (person)
- 前任の担当者: the previous person in charge
- 前任から引き継ぐ: to take over from one's predecessor
- 前任校長: former principal
- 前任大使: former ambassador
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 後任: successor — the opposite of 前任; the person who takes over the role
- 前の担当者: the previous person in charge — more colloquial expression
- 先任: senior (in rank/appointment) — refers to seniority, not to having left the role
USAGE:
Common in workplace, organizational, and political contexts. Often appears in discussions of job handovers, leadership changes, and comparisons between current and previous officeholders.