前例

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 前例, read ぜんれい. Elements for previous and example combine to denote an earlier case used to guide a present decision.
• Basic usage: 前例のない提案 states that no comparable case exists, while 似た前例を調べる describes researching a similar case for procedural guidance.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Care required without precedent
  • The lack of a precedent makes careful review necessary. Example: 前例のない提案なので慎重な検討が必要だ。 — The unprecedented proposal requires careful review.
• A similar case used for guidance
  • A comparable earlier case is researched to guide the current procedure. Example: 似た前例を調べて手続きの参考にした。 — We researched a similar precedent for guidance on the procedure.