expression, i-adjective
slightly early; a step ahead
Describes something happening a little earlier than expected or ahead of others. Often used for seasonal events, departures, or actions taken before the usual time.
今年は一足早い春の訪れを感じる。
This year, I feel the arrival of spring a little earlier than usual.
彼は一足早く会場を後にした。
He left the venue a step ahead of everyone else.
一足先に is an adverb meaning 'a step ahead' or 'before others,' while 一足早い is an adjective describing something as being slightly early.
Compound of 一足 (one step) and 早い (early/fast), literally 'one step early.' The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the phrase is conventionally associated with the idea of being slightly ahead in time.