1The position in front of something, such as a building; used as 「〜の前」 (in front of the house, in front of the station).
家の前に大きな木が立っている。
There is a large tree standing in front of the house.
駅の前で待ち合わせしましょう。
Let's meet in front of the station.
コンビニの前に自転車を止めた。
I parked my bicycle in front of the convenience store.
2Earlier in time; before, previously, ago (as in 「3年前」 three years ago, 「10分前」 ten minutes ago). Also used adverbially to mean 「previously」.
3年前に日本へ来ました。
I came to Japan three years ago.
映画は10分前に始まった。
The movie started ten minutes ago.
前に言ったように、明日は休みです。
As I said before, tomorrow is a day off.
3The front or head part of something, as opposed to the back — e.g. the front of a line or the front of a classroom.
列の一番前に並んでいた。
I was standing at the very front of the line.
教室の前に黒板があります。
There is a blackboard at the front of the classroom.
バスでは前のほうの席に座った。
On the bus I sat in one of the front seats.
4The forward direction; ahead — as in moving forward or stepping to the front.
もっと前に進んでください。
Please move a bit further forward.
名前を呼ばれたら一歩前に出てください。
When your name is called, please step forward.
信号が青になり、車が前に動き出した。
The light turned green and the cars started moving forward.
5In someone's presence; in front of someone — 「〜の前で」 means doing something where others can see.
彼の前で恥をかきたくない。
I don't want to embarrass myself in front of him.
大勢の人の前で発表するのは緊張する。
Presenting in front of a large audience makes me nervous.
子どもの前で喧嘩をしないでください。
Please don't argue in front of the children.
6Used attributively as 「前〜」 to mean previous or prior — e.g. 前ページ (previous page), 前半 (first half), 前回 (last time).
前ページを見てください。
Please look at the previous page.
前回の会議で決まったことを復習しよう。
Let's review what was decided at the last meeting.
試合は前半が終わったところだ。
The match has just finished the first half.
7A suffix meaning a portion or serving — 二人前 (portion for two). Also forms 一人前 (fully qualified / capable of an adult's share). Attaches to a noun or the -masu stem of a verb.
カレーを二人前お願いします。
Two servings of curry, please.
彼はまだ一人前の料理人ではない。
He is not yet a fully-fledged chef.
8The front of the body or of clothing — the front of a coat or kimono, the chest area.
上着の前をボタンで留めてください。
Please fasten the front of your jacket with the buttons.
着物の前をきれいに合わせるのは難しい。
It's hard to align the front of a kimono neatly.
9A euphemistic, colloquial way to refer to the genital area. Somewhat crude in tone.
彼は慌ててタオルで前を隠した。
He hastily covered his privates with a towel.
10Colloquial for a criminal record or prior conviction, often in the phrase 「前がある」 (to have a record).
あいつは前があるらしいから気をつけろ。
That guy apparently has a record, so watch out.
一度前がつくと、就職が難しくなる。
Once you get a record, finding a job becomes difficult.