前例
ぜんれい · zenrei · JLPT N1 · noun
precedent
📜 前 (zen: before) + 例 (rei: example) = a past case you point to as a guide
Used in law and business for a earlier case that sets the standard for a new decision. 前 means before and 例 means example, so it is an example from before.
前 — top 丷 + 一 + 月 (moon) + 刂 (knife)
Originally written 歬, depicting a foot 止 above a boat 舟, meaning to advance or go forward. Over time the form evolved and the knife radical 刂 was added, while 止 and 舟 fused into the modern shape. The core meaning 'front, before, ahead' has stayed consistent.