JLPT N1・N2 Grammar – The difference between ”以上” and “手前”
Table of Contents
1. The difference between“〜以上” and “〜手前“
2. A以上B
3. A手前B
4. Let’s Compare
5. Summary
6. Quiz
7. Similar Articles
8. Comments
Q: Is there a difference in meaning between “〜以上” and “〜手前“?
A: ”〜以上” and ”〜手前” can sometimes be used in similar situations, but their meanings are not the same.
”〜以上” expresses the speaker’s judgment that because A is the case, B is naturally expected.
”〜手前” expresses the speaker’s feeling that because of a certain position or circumstance, they have no choice but to do B.
Let’s look at each of them.
A以上B (JLPT N2)
[Meaning]
Because A is the case, B is naturally expected
[Rules]
[V] Verb Plain form + 以上
[Na] な adjective + である + 以上
[N] Noun + である + 以上
[Examples]
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.
教師である以上、生徒の前では公平であるべきです。
As a teacher, you should be fair in front of your students.
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.
① Expresses the speaker’s natural judgment, thought, or determination
”〜以上” is an expression used when the speaker takes a certain fact and judges that ”this is only natural,” ”this should be done,” or ”this is what I will do.”
[Examples]
親である以上、子どもを守るのは当然です。
（Judgement）
As a parent, it is only natural to protect your child.
やると言った以上、絶対に最後までやると決めました。（Determination）
Having said I would do it, I’ve decided to see it through to the end.
② Can also be used to tell someone that something should naturally be done
In this case, sentence endings that express recommendation, obligation, or command are often used.
[Examples]
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.
約束した以上、最後まで責任を持ちなさい。
Since you made a promise, you should take responsibility until the end.
A手前B (JLPT N1)
[Meaning]
Because A has already happened, there is no choice but to do B
Because of a certain position or circumstance, one cannot help but 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]
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.
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.
子供の手前、泣くわけにはいきません。
In front of my child, I cannot cry.
”〜手前” expresses the speaker’s awareness of their own position, pride, or circumstances, and shows that they feel they have no choice but to act in a certain way.
For that reason, sentence endings such as ”〜しかない,” ”〜なければならない,” and ”〜わけにはいかない” are often used.
[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]
”Nの手前” is used to mean ”because N is watching” or ”when thinking about N.”
The speaker becomes conscious of the other person or of their own dignity, and as a result restrains their behavior or chooses a certain course of action.
N is often someone the speaker is conscious of, such as a child, subordinate, student, or family member.
[Examples]
部下の手前、弱音は吐けません。
In front of my subordinates, I cannot show weakness.
妻の手前、かっこ悪いところは見せられません。
In front of my wife, I can’t afford to show any unflattering sides.
Let’s Compare
As in the following examples, there are cases where both can be used, but the speaker’s feelings are quite different.
[Examples]
みんなの前で引き受けると言った以上、途中でやめることはできません。
みんなの前で引き受けると言った手前、途中でやめることはできません。
Having said in front of everyone that I would take it on, I cannot quit halfway.
”〜以上” shows that the speaker thinks, ”Since I said that, it is only natural that I should not quit halfway.”
The focus is on the speaker’s own judgment and sense of what is natural.
By contrast, ”〜手前” shows the feeling that, ”Since I said that in front of everyone, it would look bad if I quit halfway.”
It carries the nuance that, because the speaker is conscious of their position or pride, they have no choice but to continue.
Let’s look at another example.
[Examples]
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” expresses the speaker’s judgment or determination.
In other words, it shows the logical feeling that ”Since I said I would participate, it is only natural that I should not back out.”
On the other hand, ”〜手前” expresses a feeling based on the speaker’s awareness of their own position or pride.
It carries the nuance that ”Since I already said I would participate, it would be awkward to back out now,” or ”Given the situation, I cannot back out.”
Summary
[A以上B]
- Expresses the speaker’s natural judgment, thought, or determination.
- It is also used when telling someone that they should naturally do something.
[A手前B]
- Expresses that the speaker is conscious of their own position or circumstances and feels that they have no choice but to do so.
- When ”Nの手前” is used, it expresses a judgment made out of consideration for the other person or awareness of one’s own dignity.
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。
As a working adult, one should take responsibility for their actions.
*Because the speaker is expressing the general judgment that working adults should naturally act this way, ”以上” is the correct answer.
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