お前

おまえ
Alternative readings: おまい
Alternative writings: 御前
JLPT:N3
Frequency:
1

A very informal second‑person pronoun meaning “you,” often used by men or in rough/impolite speech.

PronounFamiliar LanguageMale Term or Language

Examples

お前、何してるんだよ?

Hey you, what are you doing?

お前がいなければ、ここまで来られなかった。

If it weren't for you, I couldn't have come this far.

試合後、彼は『お前は強い』と相手を称えた。

After the match he said, 'You're strong,' praising his opponent.

親しい友達の間では冗談で『お前』と言い合うこともあるが、目上には使えない。

Among close friends they sometimes jokingly call each other 'omae,' but you can't use it for superiors.

2

An older/archaic noun (御前) meaning 'in front of' or 'before' someone of high rank (e.g., a deity or noble).

Noun

Examples

将軍の御前にて、罪を告白した。

He confessed his crime before the general.

神の御前で誓いを立てる。

To swear an oath before God.

Word Relationships

Synonyms