godan verb (-tsu), intransitive verb
Used when someone initiates an action or goes ahead of others; often in the pattern 先立って (sakidatte) meaning 'beforehand' or 'in advance'.
彼が先立って新しいプロジェクトを始めた。
He took the lead in starting the new project.
会議に先立
We distributed the materials prior to the meeting.
godan verb (-tsu), intransitive verb
precede; go before; take precedence
Describes something happening or existing before something else in time or order; also used for priority.
この問題は他のすべてに先立つ。
This issue takes precedence over all others.
彼の死は妻の死に先立った。
His death preceded his wife's.
godan verb (-tsu), intransitive verb
die before (someone)
Euphemistic use, especially for dying before one's spouse, parents, or children; often in the pattern ～に先立たれる (passive) to express being bereaved.
彼は両親に先立たれて、若くして一人になった。
He lost his parents early and was left alone at a young age.
夫に先立たれた後、彼女は一人で店を続けた。
After her husband passed away before her, she continued running the shop alone.
godan verb (-tsu), intransitive verb
be a prerequisite
Used in expressions like ～に先立つもの (something that must come before) to indicate a necessary condition; often in formal or written contexts.
成功には努力が先立つ。
Effort is a prerequisite for success.
留学に先立つ手続きは複雑だ。
The procedures that must be completed before studying abroad are complicated.