Processing keyword: ～に先立ち (〜ni sakidachi)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～に先立ち (〜ni sakidachi)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～に先立ち (〜ni sakidachi) is a formal expression used in Japanese to indicate that one action takes place before another. It is often used in written language, speeches, and formal announcements to denote preparation or preliminary actions preceding a main event.

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Before; Prior to; In advance of

Usage

• ～に先立ち is used to express that something is done in preparation for a following event or action.
• It emphasizes the importance of the preparatory action that takes place before a significant event.

Structure

Formation Diagram

Formation	Example	Meaning
Noun + に先立ち	開会式に先立ち	Before the opening ceremony
Verb Dictionary Form + に先立ち	出発するに先立ち	Prior to departing

---

Detailed Explanation

• Noun + に先立ち When attaching to a noun, に先立ち directly follows the noun to indicate that the action related to that noun occurs before the main action.

  会議に先立ち、資料を準備する。
  (Before the meeting, prepare the documents.)
  

• Verb (Dictionary Form) + に先立ち When attaching to a verb, use the dictionary form of the verb followed by に先立ち to indicate that the action of the verb occurs prior to another action.

  工事を開始するに先立ち、安全確認を行う。
  (Before starting the construction, conduct safety checks.)
  

---

3. Comparative Analysis

～前に (〜mae ni) vs. ～に先立ち (〜ni sakidachi)

	～に先立ち	～前に
Formality	Formal	Casual to Formal
Usage	Used for significant events or actions	General use for any actions
Nuance	Emphasizes preparation before an important event	Simply indicates "before" without emphasis
Example Comparison:

• に先立ち

  新製品の発売に先立ち、記者会見が行われた。
  (A press conference was held prior to the launch of the new product.)
  

• 前に

  寝る前に、歯を磨く。
  (I brush my teeth before going to bed.)
  

---

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. Formal Context

   式典に先立ち、受付を開始いたします。
   (We will start the reception prior to the ceremony.)
   

2. Business Setting

   プロジェクト開始に先立ち、チームビルディング活動を行う。
   (We will conduct team-building activities before the project starts.)
   

3. Event Announcement

   マラソン大会の開催に先立ち、交通規制が行われます。
   (Traffic restrictions will be imposed prior to the marathon event.)
   

4. Written / News

   大統領の訪日に先立ち、警備体制が強化された。
   (Security measures were strengthened prior to the President's visit to Japan.)
   

---

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Formality and Politeness
  • に先立ち is often used in formal announcements, news reports, official documents, and speeches.
  • It reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on preparation and respect for procedures before important events.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 開会に先立ち
  • Commonly used in ceremonies to indicate activities or announcements made before the official start.

  開会に先立ち、一言ご挨拶申し上げます。
  (Before we begin, I would like to say a few words.)
  

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using with Casual Events
   • Incorrect: 映画を見るに先立ち、ポップコーンを買う。
   • Correction: 映画を見る前に、ポップコーンを買う。 Explanation: に先立ち is too formal for casual contexts. Use 前に instead.
2. Incorrect Verb Form
   • Incorrect: 出発に先立って、準備した。
   • Correction: 出発するに先立ち、準備した。 Explanation: Use the dictionary form of the verb before に先立ち.

Tips

• Mnemonic Device

  • "先立つ" means "to precede": Remember that に先立ち indicates something that precedes an important event.

• Appropriate Context

  • Use に先立ち when discussing formal events, ceremonies, official procedures, or significant actions.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～に先立ち is used to express that one action takes place before another, emphasizing preparation.
• It is formal and commonly used in official or significant contexts.
• Structure:
  • Noun + に先立ち
  • Verb (Dictionary Form) + に先立ち

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank with the appropriate grammar: 明日の会議___、資料を確認してください。
   • a) に先立ち
   • b) 前に
2. Is it appropriate to use ～に先立ち in casual conversation about everyday activities?
3. Correct the mistake in the following sentence: 試験を受けるに先立って、勉強します。

---

Answers

1. a) に先立ち

   明日の会議に先立ち、資料を確認してください。
   (Please check the documents prior to tomorrow's meeting.)
   

2. No, ～に先立ち is too formal for casual conversations about everyday activities. Use ～前に instead.
3. Correction: 試験を受けるに先立ち、勉強をします。 Explanation: Add the object particle を before します.

---

© Hanabira.org