先辈

先輩
xiānbèi
noun #18,811

Measure Word

Meanings

  1. 1 ancestors
  2. 2 forefathers
  3. 3 predecessors
  4. 4 an older generation

Examples

HSK 5
Xiānbèi men wèi guójiā de fāzhǎn zuòchū le jùdà gòngxiàn.
Our forefathers made great contributions to the country's development.
HSK 6
Wǒmen yào jìchéng xiānbèi men de yōuliáng chuántǒng.
We should carry on the fine traditions of our predecessors.

Tips

usage
先辈 is more formal and respectful than 祖先 (ancestors in a genealogical sense). It often refers to previous generations who achieved something noteworthy, not just blood relatives.

Stroke Order

xiān
bèi