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先辈 (xiān bèi) — older generation (people from a previous era or earlier generation); ancestor, forebear

Definition

A respectful, formal term for earlier generations or ancestors — people who came before and contributed to what we have today. Use 它 (or older ‘他们’) for the in-group; not for living parents.

noun
older generation (people from a previous era or earlier generation)ancestorforebear
Measure word · 位

Examples

  • 先辈。
    Wǒ men yào jì chéng xiān bèi de yōu liáng chuán tǒng.
    We must carry forward the fine traditions of our older generations.
  • 先辈。
    Zhè xiē shū xìn dōu shì tā de xiān bèi liú xià lái de.
    These letters were all left by his ancestors.
  • 先辈。
    xiān bèi Men wèi le guó jiā fù chū le hěn duō.
    The older generation sacrificed a lot for the country.
Appears in
Family & Kinship

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