Japanese meaning of 前代未聞
Reading:
ぜんだいみもん (zendai mimon)
English Translation:
Unprecedented / Never before seen
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
An event or phenomenon so rare and extraordinary that it is completely without precedent. This phrase emphasizes astonishment and the uniqueness of the occurrence.
Cultural Context:
Frequently used in journalism, law, and commentary to highlight unprecedented events.
これまでに一度も例がないほど、非常に珍しく驚くべき出来事。前例のない現象や、新しい時代を象徴するような特別な状況を表します。
ジャーナリズム、法律、評論で前例のない出来事を強調する際に用いられる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “の〜” to modify events (“前代未聞の事件”).
Trap for English Speakers
May be overused for minor events, diluting its strong meaning of “never before seen.”
Example
Basic Example
こんな事件は前代未聞だ。
This kind of incident is unprecedented.
Applied Example
決勝戦が無観客で行われるのは前代未聞だ。
Holding the finals without spectators was unprecedented.