第一線
Meanings
1
Refers to the very front of a battlefield or, by extension, the leading edge of any field or activity. Often used in phrases like 第一線で活躍する (to be active on the front lines).
He has worked on the front lines of medical care for many years.
That researcher is at the forefront of AI research.
Usage patterns
- 第一線で活躍するto be active at the forefront (of a field)
He is still active at the forefront of medicine.
- 第一線から退くto retire from the front line/forefront
She retired from the forefront of her career at age fifty.
- 第一線に立つto stand at the forefront
He always stands at the forefront of research.
- 第一線を守るto hold/defend the front line
The soldiers kept defending the front line.