In front of oneself; nearby or close in front (refers to something near the speaker's position).
駅の手前でバスを降りたほうが便利だ。
It's more convenient to get off the bus just before the station.
家の手前にスーパーができた。
A supermarket was built 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.
Slightly before reaching a location; the side of a place that is nearer (used to indicate a point just before a destination).
橋の手前で車が渋滞していた。
Cars were congested 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 the destination.
One's standpoint, face, or honor; used to refer to personal pride or social standing (one's reputation or appearance).
彼は手前を気にして謝ろうとしなかった。
He wouldn't apologize because he cared about his pride/face.
手前を立ててその場を収めた。
We preserved his face and settled the matter.
Skill or dexterity — the cleverness or artistry of one's handwork or technique (often used for performances or craftsmanship).
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, the overall impression suffers.
In the tea ceremony, the procedures and movements performed before guests (the specific techniques and steps of preparing and serving tea).
今日の稽古では薄茶の点前を習った。
In today's practice we learned the procedure for preparing thin tea.
A humble (kenjougo) self-reference meaning 'I' or 'me' — an archaic/formal expression used to humble oneself.
手前は至らぬ点が多々ありますが、どうぞよろしくお願いいたします。
I am lacking in many respects, but I humbly ask for your favor.
A rough, typically male way of addressing someone (similar to 'you' used toward an inferior) — carries a confrontational or insulting tone.
手前、よくもそんなことを言ったな！
You (how dare you) — how could you say such a thing!