先せん達だつ

noun

pioneer; leader; senior figure

Refers to someone who has gone before and can serve as a model or guide, often in a field or endeavor. Carries respect for experience.

• 彼かれはこの分ぶん野やの先せん達だちとして尊そん敬けいされている。

  He is respected as a pioneer in this field.

• 先せん達だちの教おしえを守まもりながら、新あたらしいことに挑ちょう戦せんする。

  While following the teachings of our predecessors, we take on new challenges.

noun

guide; escort

Someone who physically or metaphorically leads the way, especially in unfamiliar territory or a journey. Less common than sense 1.

• 山やま道みちでは先せん達だちの指し示じに従したがってください。

  On the mountain trail, please follow the guide's instructions.

noun

leader in Shugendō

Specific term for a senior practitioner who leads ascetic rites in Shugendō (mountain asceticism). Domain-specific religious use.

See also: 修験道

• 修しゅ験げん道どうの先せん達だちは、厳きびしい修しゅ行ぎょうを積つんだ者ものだけがなれる。

  Only those who have undergone severe training can become a leader in Shugendō.