GRAMMAR
〜てまえ
in front of
considering
Explanation
NOTE
〜てまえ means considering — because of a situation or position, one feels obliged to act a certain way.
約束したてまえ、今さら断れない。
Considering that I promised, I cannot refuse now.
NOTE
It carries a sense of social pressure — the result is something you must do to save face or keep your word.
後輩に偉そうに言ったてまえ、失敗できない。
Considering that I spoke proudly to my juniors, I cannot fail.
The result clause often expresses an obligation or something that cannot be avoided.
NOTE
With a verb, attach てまえ to the plain past form, since the reason is usually an action already done.
STRUCTURE
Vた
てまえ皆の前で宣言したてまえ、諦められない。
Minna no mae de sengen shita temae, akiramerarenai.
Considering that I declared it in front of everyone, I cannot give up.
手伝うと言ったてまえ、最後までやるしかない。
Tetsudau to itta temae, saigo made yaru shika nai.
Considering that I said I would help, I have no choice but to finish.
子供に注意したてまえ、自分も守らなければならない。
Kodomo ni chuui shita temae, jibun mo mamoranakereba naranai.
Considering that I warned my children, I must follow the rule too.
ダイエットを始めたてまえ、甘いものは食べられません。
daietto o hajimeta temae, amai mono wa taberaremasen.
Having started a diet, I cannot eat sweet things.
皆さんの前で約束したてまえ、必ずやり遂げます。
minasan no mae de yakusoku shita temae, kanarazu yaritogemasu.
Having made a promise in front of everyone, I will surely carry it through.
家の手伝いをすると言ったてまえ、今日は遊びに行けません。
ie no tetsudai o suru to itta temae, kyou wa asobi ni ikemasen.
Having said that I would help out at home, I cannot go out to play today.
NOTE
With a noun, connect it using の before てまえ to mean in front of a person or situation.
STRUCTURE
N辞
のてまえ家族のてまえ、弱音を吐けない。
Kazoku no temae, yowane o hakenai.
In front of my family, I cannot complain.
客のてまえ、笑顔を絶やせない。
Kyaku no temae, egao o tayasenai.
In front of the customers, I cannot stop smiling.
部下のてまえ、弱い姿を見せられない。
Buka no temae, yowai sugata o miserarenai.
In front of my subordinates, I cannot show weakness.
Practice exercises
1
皆の前で宣言したてまえ、諦められない。
Considering that I declared it in front of everyone, I cannot give up.
Answer
したてまえ
2
手伝うと言ったてまえ、最後までやる。
Considering that I said I would help, I will do it to the end.
Answer
てまえ
3
後輩に偉そうに言ったてまえ、失敗できない。
Considering that I spoke proudly to my juniors, I cannot fail.
Answer
ったてまえ
4
家族のてまえ、弱音を吐けない。
In front of my family, I cannot complain.
Answer
のてまえ
5
客のてまえ、笑顔を絶やせない。
In front of the customers, I cannot stop smiling.
Answer
のてまえ
6
部下のてまえ、弱い姿を見せられない。
In front of my subordinates, I cannot show weakness.
Answer
のてまえ
7
大口を叩いてしまった手前、結果を出さざるをえない。
Considering I boasted so much, I have no choice but to produce results.
Answer
手前
8
皆が期待している立場の手前、失敗はできない。
Considering my position, with everyone expecting much of me, I cannot fail.
Answer
手前
9
必ず勝つと宣言した手前、手を抜くことはできない。
Considering that I declared I would surely win, I cannot cut corners.
Answer
手前
10
部下に節度を守れと注意した手前、自分の発言には気をつけた。
Considering that I told my subordinates to act with restraint, I was careful with my own words.
Answer
手前
11
恩がある相手の手前、頼みを断ることはできなかった。
Considering it was someone I owed a favor to, I couldn't refuse their request.
Answer
手前