JLPT N1・N2 Grammar – Difference between ”以上” and “手前”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between“〜以上” and “〜手前“
2. A以上B
3. A手前B
4. 以上 VS 手前
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comment
Q: Is there a difference in meaning between “〜以上” and “〜手前“?
A: While “〜以上” and “〜手前” can sometimes be interchangeable, the speaker’s intentions differ significantly.
Let’s look at each case.
A以上B (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
It is A, therefore it is naturally B
[Rules]
[V] Verb Plain form＋以上
[Na] Na-adjective ＋である＋以上
[N] Noun＋である＋以上
[Examples]
[V] 参加すると言った以上、ちゃんと行くべきでしょう。
Since you’ve said you’d participate, you should definitely go.
[Na] 有名である以上、何を言われても仕方ないのかもしれません。
Being famous, you might have to accept whatever is said about you.
[N] 学生である以上、学校のルールは守りなさい。
As a student, you should follow the school rules.
A手前B (JLPT N1)
[Meanings]
Since A has been done, there is no choice but to do B
Given the situation of A, there is no choice but to do B
[Rules]
[V] Verb Dictionary form or Past form ＋手前
[N] Noun＋手前 *In this case, the noun represents a person
[Examples]
[V] 参加すると言った手前、もう断ることはできません。
Having said I would participate, I cannot back out now.
[V] 後輩に見られている手前、失敗はしたくないです。
Since my juniors are watching, I don’t want to fail.
[N] 子供の手前、泣くわけにはいきません。
In front of my child, I cannot cry.
以上 VS 手前
In the following cases, both expressions can be used, but the speaker’s feelings are significantly different.
[Example]
参加すると言った以上、断ることはできません。
参加すると言った手前、断ることはできません。
Having said I would participate, I cannot back out now.
“以上” represents the speaker’s judgment or determination.
This means the speaker is conveying the intention that, having said they would participate, they do not plan to refuse.
On the other hand, “手前” reflects the desire to protect one’s own position or situation.
The speaker feels that failing to do so would be embarrassing or might adversely affect their standing—a very conservative sentiment.
[以上]
① It represents the speaker’s natural judgment or decision regarding a certain matter, reflecting their thoughts and determination.
[Examples]
有名である以上、何を言われても仕方ないのかもしれません。（判断）
Being famous, I might have to accept whatever is said about me. (Judgment)
やると言った以上、絶対に最後までやると決めました。（決意）
Having said I would do it, I’ve decided to see it through to the end. (Determination)
② It can also be used to influence the other party, suggesting that something is naturally expected of them.
In such cases, expressions that imply recommendation or prohibition are used at the end of the sentence.
[Example]
学生である以上、学校のルールは守りなさい。
As a student, you should follow the school rules.
[手前]
It expresses the speaker’s conservative feelings, wanting to protect their position, creating a situation where “there is no other choice.”
Therefore, expressions that impose limitations on actions, such as “～なければならない – must” or “～しかない – have no other choice,” are commonly used at the end of the sentence.
[Examples]
もう国には帰らないと言った手前、日本に住むしかありません。
Having said that I won’t return to my country, I have no choice but to live in Japan.
子供を遊園地へ連れて行くと約束した手前、連れて行かなければなりません。
Having promised to take my child to the amusement park, I must take them.
[Ｎの手前]
When a noun representing a person is used, it means “in front of N,” where N is someone in a lower position relative to the speaker.
In this case, it reflects the speaker’s consideration for the other person and their judgment, as in “do this because it is in front of N” or “cannot do this in front of N“.
[Example]
子供の手前、夫と喧嘩するのはやめておこう。
For the sake of my child, I should stop fighting with my husband.
妻の手前、かっこ悪いところは見せられない。
In front of my wife, I can’t afford to show any unflattering sides.
Summary
A以上B
- It expresses the speaker’s natural judgment, thoughts, or determination about a matter.
- It also serves to influence the other party, suggesting what they should naturally do.
A手前B
- It expresses the speaker’s conservative desire to protect their position.
- When used with ‘Nの手前,’ it reflects consideration for the other person and the speaker’s judgment.
Quiz
Read the following sentence and choose the expression that fits the context from the options provided in the parentheses.
Click on the question to check the answer.
A. 以上
日本で働くと決めた以上、日本のルールにも慣れてくださいね。
Since you’ve decided to work in Japan, please get accustomed to Japan’s rules as well.
*Since the sentence ends in a call to action toward the other party, ‘以上‘ is the correct answer.
A. 手前
娘の手前、親らしいところを見せたいものです。
For the sake of my daughter, I want to show some parental qualities.
*Since a noun representing a person is used, and there is consideration for that person, ‘手前‘ is the correct answer.
A. 手前
社長にやると言った手前、やらなければならないな…。
Having told the president I would do it, I must do it…
*Given the relationship with the president and the desire to protect one’s position, ‘手前‘ is appropriate.
A. 以上
金持ちである以上、しっかり税金を払うべきです。
Being wealthy, one should duly pay their taxes.
*Since the speaker is expressing a natural expectation towards the wealthy, ‘以上‘ is the correct answer.
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