Difference 先 vs さっき vs 前


can someone pls explain the difference and usage of these words? I never saw
an explanation on how to use them correctly. Right now, all 3 are just "(some
time) ago, previous, before ..." for me.




Just to clarify「先」really is only used for future reference and not for past
reference. There are examples that will take on that meaning such as,

> 先{さき}の天皇陛下{てんのうへいか}は裕仁様{ひろひとさま}
>
> The previous emperor was Emperor Hirohito

But, just to be clear, it may be worth learning for understanding ,but is
rarely used in every day life. This is the way it is used 99% of the time.

> 彼{かれ}が先{さき}に出{で}た
>
> He left first

It also has the meaning of "tip" as Brandon states

「さっき」Refers to immediate past tense situations,

> さっき彼{かれ}が出{で}た
>
> He just left

「前」Can refer to a time further in the past or immediate past.

> 彼{かれ}がちょっと前{まえ}に出{で}た
>
> He just left a few moments ago

Or,

> 一年前{いちねんまえ}、彼{かれ}が日本{にほん}に行{い}った
>
> He went to Japan a year ago

And you can use「前」as the "front",

> 教室{きょうしつ}の前{まえ}に座{すわ}ってください
>
> Please sit at the front of the room




Just to clarify「先」really is only used for future reference and not for past
reference. There are examples that will take on that meaning such as,

> 先{さき}の天皇陛下{てんのうへいか}は裕仁様{ひろひとさま}
>
> The previous emperor was Emperor Hirohito

But, just to be clear, it may be worth learning for understanding ,but is
rarely used in every day life. This is the way it is used 99% of the time.

> 彼{かれ}が先{さき}に出{で}た
>
> He left first

It also has the meaning of "tip" as Brandon states

「さっき」Refers to immediate past tense situations,

> さっき彼{かれ}が出{で}た
>
> He just left

「前」Can refer to a time further in the past or immediate past.

> 彼{かれ}がちょっと前{まえ}に出{で}た
>
> He just left a few moments ago

Or,

> 一年前{いちねんまえ}、彼{かれ}が日本{にほん}に行{い}った
>
> He went to Japan a year ago

And you can use「前」as the "front",

> 教室{きょうしつ}の前{まえ}に座{すわ}ってください
>
> Please sit at the front of the room

