前厄

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 前厄 is read as まえやく and is a noun for the year immediately preceding one’s main traditional unlucky year, 本厄.
• Basic usage: Use 前厄に当たる for falling in that year and 前厄のお参り for a related shrine visit.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Not any warning before misfortune
  • 前厄 is a defined year in the traditional cycle, not a general sign that something bad will happen.
• Order relative to 本厄
  • 前厄 comes before the principal unlucky year 本厄; the two terms do not name the same period.