前衛
Meanings
Military or organizational term for the leading unit or group that goes ahead of the main force. Also used figuratively for pioneers in a movement.
See also: 後衛
The advance guard unit charged into the enemy position.
He is active as a vanguard of the reform movement.
Used in art, music, and literature to describe experimental, innovative, or cutting-edge work and its creators.
Her work is regarded as a representative piece of avant-garde art.
Sports term for an offensive player positioned near the opponent's goal, such as in soccer, basketball, or handball.
He plays as a forward on the soccer team.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉が〈事〉の前衛に立つto stand at the forefront of (a movement, cause)
He stood at the forefront of the environmental movement.
- 〈人〉が前衛を務めるto play the position of forward
He plays as a forward on the soccer team.
- 〈事〉の前衛を成すto form the vanguard of (a field, movement)
That composer forms the vanguard of contemporary music.