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〜手前

because of (how it would look), having said so

Verb plain (often た-form) / Noun + の + 手前

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手前 gives a reason based on face: because of what you've already said or done, or because of who is watching, you can't act otherwise. 自分から言い出した手前、今さらやめられない, "since it was my idea, I can't back out now".

There are two common shapes:

  • 〜た手前: having said or done something (言った手前, 約束した手前).
  • Person + の手前: in front of someone you need to look good for (子どもの手前, 部下の手前).

The second half is usually something you must or can't do: わけにはいかない, 〜られない, しかない.

It's close to 以上 (N2), but 手前 specifically adds embarrassment and appearances. Literally, it means "this side, in front of".

Examples

  • 自分じぶんから言いい出だした手前てまえ、今いまさらやめられない。

    Since it was my idea in the first place, I can't back out now.

  • 子こどもの手前てまえ、泣なくわけにはいかなかった。

    With the children watching, I couldn't let myself cry.

  • 大丈夫だいじょうぶだと言いった手前てまえ、助たすけを求もとめにくい。

    Having said I was fine, it's hard to ask for help.

  • 部下ぶかの手前てまえ、弱音よわねは吐はけない。

    I can't complain in front of my staff.

  • 約束やくそくした手前てまえ、行いかないわけにはいかない。

    Having promised, I can't not go.

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