also: せんだち
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.
彼はこの分野の先達として尊敬されている。
He is respected as a pioneer in this field.
先達の教えを守りながら、新しいことに挑戦する。
While following the teachings of our predecessors, we take on new challenges.
Someone who physically or metaphorically leads the way, especially in unfamiliar territory or a journey. Less common than sense 1.
山道では先達の指示に従ってください。
On the mountain trail, please follow the guide's instructions.
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
修験道の先達は、厳しい修行を積んだ者だけがなれる。
Only those who have undergone severe training can become a leader in Shugendō.
Standard kanji spelling. The reading せんだち is more common in modern Japanese.
Alternate reading, now less common. May be encountered in older texts or formal contexts.
Composed of 先 (before, ahead) and 達 (reach, attain). The word originally referred to someone who has reached a destination ahead of others and can guide them. The reading せんだち is a shift from せんだつ, likely influenced by rendaku or historical sound changes.