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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.
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2016-06-04T12:51:07.183
34643
2016-06-05T08:10:32.880
10665
question
word-choice word-usage
Difference 先 vs さっき vs 前
先 can talk about the past _or_ future and has a great many other meanings
related to its fundamental meaning of something a bit like "fore", "head", or
"tip".

さっき only talks about something in the (very) near past, and is very close to
さきほど in meaning.

前 can talk about any time period in the past -- near or far.

Not sure if that's enough detail, but looking at examples is the best way to
learn the detailed differences (先 is the most difficult to use correctly /
naturally with time IMO).
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2016-06-05T05:42:10.983
35662
2016-06-05T05:42:10.983
6841
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answer
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
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2016-06-05T08:10:32.880
35664
2016-06-05T08:10:32.880
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answer