先祖

xiānzǔ

noun #29,258

Meanings

1 ancestors; forefathers
2 my late grandfather

Characters

before; prior; deceased (respectful)

grandfather; ancestor

Examples

HSK 5

我们应该尊重先祖留下来的传统。

Wǒmen yīnggāi zūnzhòng xiānzǔ liúxiàlái de chuántǒng.

We should respect the traditions left by our ancestors.

HSK 7-9

这座庙是为了祭祀先祖而建的。

Zhè zuò miào shì wèile jìsì xiānzǔ ér jiàn de.

This temple was built to honor the ancestors.

Tips

register

先祖 is a formal or literary term for ancestors. In everyday speech, 祖先 is more common. The character 先 here carries the meaning of 'those who came before,' often implying deceased forebears.

Stroke Order

先 xiān

祖 zǔ