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.
先代から受け継いだ家業を守る。
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.
親の世代はスマホを使いこなせない人が多い。
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.
上の世代の考え方を理解するのは難しい。
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.
先祖代々この土地に住んでいる。
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.
前の世代のiPhoneはまだ使える。
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Means 'old generation' and is often used in tech reviews or comparisons to emphasize that something is outdated.
旧世代のゲーム機は中古市場で人気がある。
Old-generation game consoles are popular in the second-hand market.
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.
前の世代が経験した戦争の話を聞く。
I listen to stories of the war experienced by the previous generation.
Literally 'one generation before', emphasizing the immediate previous generation.
一つ前の世代は終身雇用が当たり前だった。
For the previous generation, lifetime employment was the norm.
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.
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.
先人の知恵に学ぶ。
We learn from the wisdom of our predecessors.