connective N3 uncommon writtenpolite
前者は・後者は — the former ~
前者は・後者は ・ ぜんしゃは
Meaning
- the former ~ / the latter ~ — 前者 refers back to the first of two things just named, 後者 to the second, in order
Key sentence
前者は値段が安いが、後者は質が高い。
The former is cheaper, but the latter is higher in quality.
Formation
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Used after two items have been mentioned; 前者 = item 1, 後者 = item 2 | A と B …… 前者 / 後者 | 紅茶とコーヒー…前者が好きだ |
When: Written and formal exposition (essays, reports, comparisons); in casual speech people repeat the nouns or say 最初のほう／こっち instead.
Examples
東京と大阪を比べると、前者のほうが人口が多い。
Comparing Tokyo and Osaka, the former has the larger population.
案は二つある。後者のほうが現実的だ。
There are two proposals; the latter is the more realistic one.
Notes
- Works only for exactly two previously named items, kept in their original order — 前者 = the first, 後者 = the second. Not used for three or more.
See 前者は・後者は in real sentences
Jengo shows 前者は・後者は the way you actually meet it: inside real Japanese sentences, so it sticks instead of staying an abstract rule.
Study it in JengoSources Compiled from published Japanese grammar references.