先代
Meanings
previous head of a family; previous generation (of a family); one's (late) father
Refers to the person who was the head of a family or household before the current head, or to the preceding generation. Can also mean one's late father in family contexts.
The previous company president was his father.
This shop has been passed down from the previous generation.
Used for a person who held a position or role before the current holder, not limited to family businesses. Common in professional, organizational, or title contexts.
The previous mayor put effort into improving the parks.
previous age; previous generation (era)
Refers to a past era or the people of a former time, often in historical or cultural discussions. Less common than the personal predecessor sense.
It's a festival that passes down the culture of previous generations to the present.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が先代の跡を継ぐto succeed one's predecessor (as head of a family or business)
The son succeeded his predecessor and became president.
- 先代から〈物〉を受け継ぐto inherit something (a technique, tradition, etc.) from one's predecessor
This shop preserves the flavor it inherited from the previous owner.
- 先代のやり方に従うto follow the way one's predecessor used to do things
The new manager runs the shop following his predecessor's methods.