先住
Meanings
1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
original inhabitant; aboriginal; indigenous
Refers to people who lived in a place before later arrivals; often used in historical or anthropological contexts. Can also modify nouns with の.
The indigenous people of this region preserve their own culture.
I heard about the history of the land from the original inhabitants.
2
previous priest; former priest
Specifically refers to the priest who served at a temple before the current one. A specialized Buddhist term.
The previous priest is now at another temple.
Usage patterns
- 先住の〈人〉the indigenous people (of a place)
Indigenous people have lived on this island since ancient times.
- 〈場所〉の先住the previous priest of a temple
The previous priest of this temple was strict.