この前(まえ)

このまえ
expression, noun
the other day; recently; last time
time-general
1. the other day; recently; last time
a vague reference to a recent past time, typically within the last few days to a few weeks
この前(まえ)、ありがとう。
Thanks for the other day.
この前(まえ)の日曜日(にちようび)に映画(えいが)を見(み)た。
I watched a movie last Sunday.
この前(まえ)話(はな)した件(けん)、どうなった？
What happened with that thing we talked about the other day?
この前(まえ)初(はじ)めて行(い)ったレストランがとても美味(おい)しかった。
The restaurant I went to for the first time recently was really delicious.

An extremely common time expression in conversational Japanese. The time frame it refers to is intentionally vague — it could be anything from a few days ago to several weeks ago, depending on context.

Common patterns

  • この前(まえ)、～: The other day, ~
  • この前(まえ)の + noun: last ~ / the previous ~
  • この前(まえ)会(あ)った時(とき): when we met the other day

Similar words

  • 先日(せんじつ): the other day; more formal and polite, suitable for business and written contexts
  • 最近(さいきん): recently; refers to a broader, ongoing time period rather than a specific point
  • 前回(ぜんかい): last time; more precise, referring to a specific previous occasion in a series
  • このあいだ: the other day; essentially synonymous with この前(まえ) in casual speech

Register

Casual. In formal or business settings, 先日(せんじつ) is preferred.

Related Words

Compare: 先日(せんじつ) (the other day)
Compare: 最近(さいきん) (recently)
Compare: 前回(ぜんかい) (last time)
Compare: この間(あいだ) (the other day)
general
Added 2026.4.24 21:15 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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