GRAMMAR
〜に先立ち
prior to
Explanation
NOTE
〜に先立ち means prior to — used before a significant or formal event.
開会式に先立ち、社長が挨拶をした。
Prior to the opening ceremony, the president gave a greeting.
Used in formal/written contexts — ceremonies, announcements, official events.
NOTE
It is the masu-stem form of 〜に先立って, used mid-sentence to continue into the next clause.
NOTE
Compared to 〜に先立って (terminates a phrase with て-form), 〜に先立ち gives a more formal, written tone.
NOTE
Attaches directly to nouns describing the upcoming event (会議, 出発, 公演, etc.).
STRUCTURE
N辞
に<ruby>先立<rt>さきだ</rt></ruby>ち出発に先立ち、荷物の確認を行います。
Shuppatsu ni sakidachi, nimotsu no kakunin wo okonaimasu.
Prior to departure, we will conduct a baggage check.
新製品の発売に先立ち、記者会見が開かれた。
Shinseihin no hatsubai ni sakidachi, kishakaiken ga hirakareta.
Prior to the release of the new product, a press conference was held.
工事の開始に先立ち、住民への説明会を実施した。
Kouji no kaishi ni sakidachi, juumin e no setsumeikai wo jisshi shita.
Prior to the start of construction, an information session for residents was held.
Practice exercises
1
式典に先立って、会場にて最終確認を行います。
Prior to the ceremony, we will conduct the final confirmation at the venue.
Answer
に先立って
2
工事に先立って、危険につき立ち入り禁止です。
Prior to construction, entry is prohibited due to danger.
Answer
に先立って
3
開店に先立って、関係者への説明に際して注意します。
Prior to the store opening, I will be careful when explaining to those involved.
Answer
に先立って
4
新製品の発表に先立って、入念な市場調査が行われた。
Prior to the announcement of the new product, a thorough market survey was conducted.
Answer
に先立って
5
大規模な改編に先立って、異論のないよう事前調整が不可欠である。
Prior to a major reorganization, preliminary adjustments are essential to avoid objections.
Answer
に先立って