に先立ち
Before, Prior to, In preference over
Structure
Noun + に先立って(1)
Noun (A) + に先立つ + Noun (B)
(1) に先立ち
Explanation
Formed by combining に with the verb 先立つ, 'to precede' or 'to come before', this grammar point attaches to nouns and dictionary-form verbs. It is used to show that action (B) is a necessary preparation for a more significant event (A). This pattern can be translated as 'in advance of (A), (B)', 'before (A), (B)', or 'prior to (A), (B)'.
Remembering the literal sense of 'to go ahead of (A), (B)' can be helpful, as it underscores the idea that (B) is an important preliminary step that must be taken first.
Because 先立つ is a verb, its conjugation can change. It may appear in its dictionary form when it directly modifies a following noun, or in its て-form to link the preparatory action (B) to the main event (A). As に先立つ is a formal expression, the more formal conjunctive form, 先立ち, is often used instead of the standard て-form.
- 新店舗の開店に先立って、周辺地域の市場調査を行いました。Before opening our new store, we conducted market research on the surrounding area.
- 会議に先立ち、参加者に関連資料が配布された。In advance of the meeting, related documents were distributed to the participants.
- 出発に先立つ最終確認として、パスポートとチケットをもう一度チェックした。As a final check prior to departure, I checked my passport and tickets one more time.
Fun-fact
先立つ is frequently seen with 物 to form a set phrase. This expression, 先立つ物, refers to the 'means' (almost always money) required to achieve a goal. It is typically used in negative sentences to express that one 'lacks the funds' or 'doesn't have the money' to do something.
- 留学したい気持ちはあるが、先立つものがない。I'd love to study abroad, but I just don't have the funds.
- 自分で会社を作りたいが、先立つものがない。I want to start my own company, but I lack the necessary capital.
Examples
会議の開始に先立ち、本日の議題を確認させていただきます。
Prior to the start of the meeting, allow me to confirm today's agenda.
新店舗の開店に先立って、記念セールが開催されます。
A commemorative sale will be held prior to the grand opening of the new store.
海外への出発に先立って、パスポートの有効期限を確かめておきましょう。
Before departing for overseas, let's check our passport's expiration date.
映画の公開に先立つ記者会見で、監督が作品への思いを語った。
At the press conference preceding the movie's release, the director spoke about his passion for the film.
結婚式に先立ち、両家の顔合わせを行いました。
Prior to the wedding ceremony, the two families held a formal meeting to get acquainted.
明治維新に先立って、日本は長い鎖国の時代を経験した。
Before the Meiji Restoration, Japan experienced a long period of national isolation.
新製品の開発に先立ち、大規模な市場調査が実施された。
Prior to the development of the new product, large-scale market research was conducted.
詳細を説明します。それに先立って、まず資料をお配りします。
I will now explain the details. But before that, I will first hand out the materials.
試合開始に先立って、両チームの国歌が演奏された。
Before the match began, the national anthems of both teams were played.
避難訓練の実施に先立ち、避難経路を確認しておいてください。
In advance of the evacuation drill, please confirm the evacuation routes.
彼の成功に先立つ数年間は、多くの困難に満ちていた。
The years prior to his success were filled with many hardships.
契約を結ぶに先立って、すべての条項を注意深く読むべきです。
Before signing the contract, you should carefully read all of the clauses.