前人 (qián rén) — forefathers, ancestors; predecessors (in a field or position)
Definition
Refers to people who came before us — ancestors, or earlier generations whose work or wisdom we build on. Unlike a literal 'the person in front,' it is always used figuratively for predecessors, not someone physically ahead.
noun
forefathersancestorspredecessors (in a field or position)
Examples
- 前人，。qián rén Zāi shù, hòu rén chéng liáng.The predecessors plant trees, the descendants enjoy the shade.
- 前人。Wǒ men yào xué xí qián rén de jīng yàn.We must learn from the experience of predecessors.
- 前人。qián rén De zhì huì zhí dé wǒ men zūn jìng.The wisdom of our forefathers deserves our respect.
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