ぜん

noun used as a prefix

  1. last (i.e. immediately preceding), previous, ex-, former.
  2. pre- (e.g. premodern). Before the name of an era.

noun used as a suffix

After a noun.
  1. before.

noun, adverb

Messages.dated.
  1. before, earlier.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
ぜん
ぜん

Contained Kanji Breakdown

in front, before
まえ ゼン さき (2nd, N5)
grass, straw, herbs
to divide
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)
cutting off feet as form of punishment
ゲツ グチ ゴツ
month, moon
つき ゲツ ガツ (1st, N5)
knife, standing sword radical (no. 18)
トウ