最先端(さいせんたん)

さいせんたん
noun
cutting edge, forefront
1. cutting edge, state-of-the-art, forefront
The most advanced or newest stage of development in a field. Often used for technology, research, fashion, and other areas where progress is measured.
最先端(さいせんたん)の技術(ぎじゅつ)を導入(どうにゅう)する。
To introduce cutting-edge technology.
この研究所(けんきゅうじょ)は医療(いりょう)の最先端(さいせんたん)を走(はし)っている。
This research institute is at the forefront of medicine.
彼女(かのじょ)はいつも最先端(さいせんたん)のファッションを身(み)につけている。
She always wears the latest cutting-edge fashion.

最先端(さいせんたん) refers to the most advanced or newest stage of development. A compound of 最(さい) (most) + 先端(せんたん) (tip, cutting edge).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 最先端(さいせんたん)の技術(ぎじゅつ): cutting-edge technology
  • 最先端(さいせんたん)の研究(けんきゅう): cutting-edge research
  • 最先端(さいせんたん)を走(はし)る: to be at the forefront
  • 最先端(さいせんたん)を行(い)く: to be on the cutting edge

USAGE:
Used as a noun modifier with の. Applies to technology, research, fashion, medicine, and other fields where progress is measured. The expressions 最先端(さいせんたん)を走(はし)る and 最先端(さいせんたん)を行(い)く both mean to be a leader in a field.

CONTRAST:

  • 先端(せんたん): the tip or edge (can be physical); 最先端(さいせんたん) is always about being the most advanced
  • 最前線(さいぜんせん): the front line (often military or conflict contexts)

Related Words

Related: 最前線(さいぜんせん) (front line)
general
Added 2026.2.23 15:29 · Revised 2026.4.8 13:19
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