Korean word

앞장서다

Pronunciation

Romanizationapjjangseoda

Meaning

  • verbtake the lead

Example

그가 앞장서서 일을 시작했다.keu ga ap jjang seo seo i reul si ja kaet tta

He took the lead and started the work.

Illustration for 앞장서다 (take the lead)

More examples

그는 위기 때 앞장서서 행동했다.keu neun wi gi ttae ap jjang seo seo haeng dong haet tta

He took the lead and acted during the crisis.

Core concept

Moving ahead first so that other people can follow and a group can make progress.

Common phrases

  • 앞장서서 행동하다ap jjang seo seo haeng dong ha da

    take the lead and act

  • 앞장서서 모범을 보이다ap jjang seo seo mo beo meul po i da

    lead by example

Similar words

나서다naseoda: To step forward willingly to take part or offer help.
이끌다ikkeulda: To guide people toward a goal and influence their actions.
앞서다apsseoda: To be ahead of others as something develops.
주도하다chudohada: To take the main role in organizing and advancing an activity.

Definition in Korean

어떤 일에서 다른 사람들보다 먼저 나서서 길을 안내하거나 행동을 이끄는 동사.eo tteon i re seo ta reun sa ram deul bo da meon jeo na seo seo ki reul an nae ha geo na haeng dong eul i kkeu neun tong sa

Word origin

The form 앞장서다 (apjjangseoda, "to take the lead") combines 앞장 (apjjang, "the front position") with 서다 (seoda, "to stand"), creating the image of a person who stands at the front and leads.

Usage tips

  • It is useful for describing people who start a task before others and help the group get moving, not only formal leaders.

Other meanings

  • take initiativeverb
  • lead the wayverb

Opposites

Related words

  • 앞장서기apjjangseogitaking the leadnoun

Word lists with this word