1.
predecessor; previous generation; previous head of a family or business
The person who held a position, title, or role before the current holder. Commonly refers to the previous head of a family business, shop, or traditional art lineage.
先代の社長が築いた会社だ。
It's a company built by the previous president.
この店は先代から受け継いだものだ。
This shop was inherited from the previous owner.
先代の味を守りながらも、新しいメニューに挑戦している。
While preserving the previous generation's flavors, they are also taking on new menu items.
Commonly used in the context of family businesses, traditional crafts, and performing arts where a lineage of successors is important.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 先代の社長 (previous company president)
- 先代から受け継ぐ (to inherit from the predecessor)
- 先代の味 (the predecessor's flavor/recipe)
- 先代の意志を継ぐ (to carry on the predecessor's wishes)
USAGE NOTE:
Not to be confused with the city name 仙台, which is a different word entirely. 先代 implies a direct succession relationship and is often used when discussing how traditions, skills, or businesses are passed down.