This is the kanji for before, in front of, earlier.

on readings:
  • zen
kun readings:
  • mae
examples:
たり atarimae natural, obvious
ekimae (in) front of/opposite the station
gozen AM
kigenzen B.C.
maebarai payment in advance
maegaki preface
maeoki introductory remarks, preface
tanzen man's padded kimono
zen'ei advance guard
zenreki one's personal history, background
zenshin advance, forward movement

links:
Wiktionary
Japanese homepage | top

Last addition on 1 March 2026 by Bradley James Wogsland.