先人 (xiān rén) — ancestors, forefathers; my late father (formal, respectful)
Definition
Formal/literary word with two distinct senses: 'ancestors, forefathers' (a generation set), and a respectful 'my late father.' Both senses are used in writing and ceremonial contexts.
noun
ancestorsforefathersmy late father (formal, respectful)
Examples
- 先人。Wǒ men měi nián qīng míng jié dōu huì jì bài xiān rén.We worship our ancestors every Qingming Festival.
- 先人，。Zhè shì xiān rén liú gěi wǒ de yí wù, wǒ yì zhí zhēn cáng zhe.This is an heirloom left to me by my late father; I have always treasured it.
- 先人。xiān rén De jiào dǎo wǒ men jué bù néng wàng jì.We must never forget the teachings of our forefathers.
Appears in
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