Translation guide
The English word "precursor" refers to something that comes before and indicates or leads to something else. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on whether you mean a sign, a forerunner, a predecessor, or a chemical precursor.
Use when "precursor" means an early sign, symptom, or harbinger of a future event or condition.
The most common and natural word for a sign or omen that something is about to happen. Used for both positive and negative events.
あの地震は大きな災害の前兆だった。
That earthquake was a precursor to a major disaster.
この症状は深刻な病気の前兆かもしれない。
These symptoms may be a precursor to a serious illness.
A slightly more literary or poetic word for a sign or indication. Often used for subtle or early signs of change.
春の兆しが見え始めた。
We can start to see the precursors of spring.
A sign or warning that something is about to happen, often used for natural phenomena or social events. Implies a more direct or noticeable indication.
何の前触れもなく停電した。
The power went out without any precursor.
A formal or technical term for a sign or omen, often used in written or academic contexts.
経済危機の予兆が現れている。
Precursors of an economic crisis are appearing.
Use when "precursor" means a forerunner, pioneer, or earlier version that influenced later developments.
A person who is a pioneer or forerunner in a field. Emphasizes being ahead of others and leading the way.
彼は現代芸術の先駆者と見なされている。
He is considered a precursor of modern art.
Can refer to a person or thing that is the first of its kind or a forerunner. Often used in phrases like ～の先駆けとなる (to be the precursor of).
Refers to a predecessor organization, institution, or thing that existed before the current one. Not used for people.
A more formal or written term for a forerunner or pioneer. Often used in compound words or academic writing.
Use in scientific contexts when "precursor" refers to a substance from which another is formed.
The standard technical term in chemistry and biology for a precursor substance. Used in academic and industrial contexts.
この化合物はビタミンDの前駆体です。
This compound is a precursor of vitamin D.
Another technical term for a precursor substance, often used in biochemistry.
コレステロールはホルモンの前駆物質である。
Cholesterol is a precursor of hormones.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of "precursor." Using a dictionary lookup without context often leads to unnatural Japanese. Always choose the word that matches the specific meaning you intend.
この技術は後の発明の先駆けとなった。
This technology was a precursor to later inventions.
この会社の前身は小さな町工場だった。
The precursor of this company was a small town factory.
That theory was a precursor to modern science.