1. beforehand; in advance
E.g.: 前借 (borrowing in advance), 前兆 (omen), 事前 (beforehand)
2. before in order
E.g.: 前座 (opening act), 前半 (first half), 食前 (before a meal)
3. in front spatially; the direction one is moving; the front side
E.g.: 前進 (advance), 前面 (front), 眼前 (before one's eyes)
4. before temporally; the past
E.g.: 前人 (predecessor), 前例 (precedent), 従前 (formerly)
5. assigned portion; corresponding amount
E.g.: 一人前 (one portion)
