Chinese word

先锋

Pronunciation

Pinyinxiān fēng

Meaning

  • nounpioneer

Example

他是我们团队的先锋。tā shì wǒ men tuán duì de xiān fēng

He is a pioneer on our team.

Illustration for 先锋 (pioneer)

More examples

这家企业在新能源领域是先锋。zhè jiā qǐ yè zài xīn néng yuán lǐng yù shì xiān fēng

This company is a pioneer in the new energy sector.

Core concept

A leading force that advances first and makes a path for a team, cause, or activity.

Common phrases

  • 科技先锋kē jì xiān fēng

    technology pioneer

  • 艺术先锋yì shù xiān fēng

    artistic pioneer

  • 社会先锋shè huì xiān fēng

    social pioneer

Similar words

先驱xiān qū: A person or thing that first brings in a new idea or technology and opens the way for others.
带头人dài tóu rén: A person who takes the lead in action and brings others together to follow.
前锋qián fēng: A person or position at the front line of a battle or sports game.
领袖lǐng xiù: A central leader who represents a group, sets its direction, and guides its members.

Definition in Chinese

在集体或行动中走在最前面，带头冲锋的人或组织。zài jí tǐ huò xíng dòng zhōng zǒu zài zuì qián miàn dài tóu chōng fēng de rén huò zǔ zhī

Word origin

The compound joins 先 (xiān, "first") with 锋 (fēng, "blade edge"), using the front edge of a blade as a picture for those who advance before others.

Usage tips

  • When a Chinese speaker calls a group 先锋 (xiānfēng, "pioneer"), the focus is on its role in leading a wider effort, not merely on arriving before everyone else.

Other meanings

  • vanguardnoun

Opposites

  • 追随者zhuī suí zhěfollowernoun
  • 保守派báo shǒu pàiconservativenoun

Related words

  • 先锋派xiān fēng pàiavant-garde schoolnoun
  • 先锋性xiān fēng xìngpioneering naturenoun
  • 先锋队xiān fēng duìvanguard unitnoun

Word lists with this word