noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
Used as a noun or no-adjective to refer to something that came before, such as a previous job, address, or version. Often contrasts with 現 (げん, current) or 新 (しん, new).
The former president was very strict.
first move; opening move
Used in board games like go and shogi to refer to the first move or opening play. Often appears in phrases like 先を打つ or 先手.
I changed from my previous address to a new one.
In shogi, taking the first move is advantageous.
priority; preference; precedence
senior; superior; elder; older person; predecessor
the other day; a few days ago; recently
go ahead; go first; precede in movement · preceding; prior; ahead of its time · score first; take an early lead · stalker; pace-stalking running style
last week; the week before
Standard kanji spelling for this word.
The kanji 先 means 'ahead' or 'previous'. The reading せん is the on'yomi, used in many compounds. The exact historical derivation of this standalone noun usage is uncertain, but it follows the general meaning of 'prior' or 'former'.
going first; starting ahead; departing in advance · starting in a game; being in the starting lineup; starting pitcher
ancestor; forefather; foremother
preemptive action; taking the initiative; head start
ancestor; forebear
arriving first; first come, first served
previous head of a family; previous generation (of a family); one's (late) father · predecessor · previous age; previous generation (era)
indigenous people; native people; aborigines
moving first; first move · forestalling; seizing the initiative · sente (Go/shogi); initiative-forcing move
guidance; leadership; leading the way
forerunner; precursor; pioneer; leader · outrider; advance guard
predecessor; pioneer; ancestor
taking the initiative; leading the way
innate; inherent; congenital
the other party; the other side; they · destination; the place at the other end · ahead; in front
foresight; anticipation; foreseeing
precedent; prior example
aforementioned; above-mentioned
radical; sharp; acute
vanguard; advance guard
original inhabitant; aboriginal; indigenous · previous priest; former priest
settling first; deciding first; first priority