Translation guide
Refers to the generation before the current one, often in family, technology, or historical contexts.
To refer to one's parents, grandparents, or ancestors in a family context.
Commonly used to refer to the previous generation in a family, especially in formal contexts like talking about ancestors or predecessors in a family business.
I protect the family business inherited from the previous generation.
Literally 'parents' generation', this is a natural way to refer to the generation of one's parents in everyday conversation.
Many people in our parents' generation can't use smartphones well.
Means 'the generation above', a more general term that can refer to parents, grandparents, or older people in society.
It's difficult to understand the way of thinking of the older generation.
Refers to ancestors, often further back than just the previous generation. Used in historical or genealogical contexts.
Our ancestors have lived on this land for generations.
To describe a previous version of a device, software, or product.
Directly translates to 'previous generation' and is commonly used for technology, such as smartphones or game consoles.
The previous generation iPhone is still usable.
Means 'old generation' and is often used in tech reviews or comparisons to emphasize that something is outdated.
Can also be used for products, especially when referring to a predecessor model in a formal or business context.
To talk about a generation of people who lived in an earlier time period, often with different values or experiences.
A general term for the previous generation in a historical or social context.
I listen to stories of the war experienced by the previous generation.
Literally 'one generation before', emphasizing the immediate previous generation.
Refers to predecessors or people of former times, often with a sense of respect. Used in formal or literary contexts.
先代 (sendai) is more formal and often used for family lineage or business predecessors. 前の世代 (mae no sedai) is a neutral, everyday term for any previous generation, including technology or social contexts.
The direct translation '以前の世代' (izen no sedai) is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural in most contexts. Use '前の世代' or other options instead.
Old-generation game consoles are popular in the second-hand market.
先代モデルと比べて、新型は軽量化された。
Compared to the previous generation model, the new model has been made lighter.
For the previous generation, lifetime employment was the norm.
先人の知恵に学ぶ。
We learn from the wisdom of our predecessors.