(せんく)(しゃ)

せんくしゃ
noun
pioneer; forerunner; trailblazer
1. pioneer; forerunner in a field
A person who is the first to do something or to enter a field, opening the way for others who follow.
かのじょはこの分野(ぶんや)先駆者(せんくしゃ)だ。
She is a pioneer in this field.
電気自動車(でんきじどうしゃ)先駆者(せんくしゃ)として()られている。
It is known as a pioneer of electric cars.
女性(じょせい)宇宙飛行士(うちゅうひこうし)先駆者(せんくしゃ)として、(おお)くの(ひと)影響(えいきょう)(あた)えた。
As a pioneer among female astronauts, she influenced many people.

Composed of 先駆(せんく) (running ahead) + (しゃ) (person). Refers to someone who pioneers a field, technology, or movement. Carries a respectful, positive tone.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • ~の先駆者(せんくしゃ): a pioneer of ~
  • 先駆者(せんくしゃ)として()られる: to be known as a pioneer
  • 時代(じだい)先駆者(せんくしゃ): a pioneer of an era

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • パイオニア: pioneer — the loanword, nearly synonymous
  • 草分(くさわ)け: founder; pioneer — emphasizes being the original founder of a field
  • 先駆(せんく)け: forerunner — the act of being first, rather than the person