前无古人

前無古人

qiánwú-gǔrén

idiom HSK 7-9 #27,308

Meanings

1 without precedent in history
2 never done before by anyone
3 the first of its kind

Characters

before; previous

Literally 'no ancient person before (has done this)' — without precedent in history

Examples

他的成就可以说是前无古人的。

Tā de chéngjiù kěyǐ shuōshì qiánwúgǔrén de.

His achievements can be said to be without precedent in history.

这是一项前无古人的伟大事业。

Zhè shì yī xiàng qiánwúgǔrén de wěidà shìyè.

This is a great undertaking never achieved before.

Tips

usage

前无古人 is often paired with 后无来者 ('and none will follow after') to emphasize absolute uniqueness. Compare with 前所未有, which is more common in everyday use.

Stroke Order

前 qián

无 wú

古 gǔ

人 rén