1The space just in front of oneself; nearby, close to where one is standing.
駅の手前でバスを降りたほうが近い。
It's shorter to get off the bus just before the station.
家の手前にコンビニができた。
A convenience store opened just in front of my house.
その建物は川の手前に立っている。
That building stands on the near side of the river.
2A point just short of a destination or landmark — the near side of a place, before actually reaching it.
橋の手前で車が渋滞していた。
Traffic was jammed just before the bridge.
目的地の手前でトイレに寄った。
I stopped at a restroom just before reaching my destination.
改札の手前で友達を待った。
I waited for my friend just before the ticket gate.
3One's standpoint, face, or pride — one's reputation or standing in front of others (e.g., '手前を立てる,' to save someone's face).
彼は手前を気にして謝ろうとしなかった。
He wouldn't apologize because he was worried about his pride.
彼は部下の手前、弱音を吐けなかった。
He couldn't show weakness, given that his subordinates were watching.
4Skill, dexterity, or artistry — especially the technical polish of a craftsperson's or performer's work.
その菓子職人の手前は見事で、細かい飾りが美しい。
The pastry chef's skill is remarkable — the delicate decorations are beautiful.
舞台での手前が乱れると、全体の印象が悪くなる。
If the performer's technique slips on stage, it hurts the whole impression.
5In the tea ceremony, the set procedure and movements for preparing tea in front of guests (also written 点前).
今日の稽古では薄茶の手前を習った。
In today's lesson, we learned the procedure for preparing thin tea.
6A humble self-reference meaning 'I' or 'me'; still used today, especially as '手前ども' in business settings.
手前どもの店にお越しいただき、誠にありがとうございます。
Thank you very much for visiting our shop.
7A rough, typically male way of addressing an inferior (similar to 'you') — carries a confrontational, aggressive tone.
手前、よくもそんなことを言ったな！
You— how dare you say such a thing!