tiền bối
Definition
- Noun:
- Predecessor; Forerunner: A person who belongs to an earlier generation or era, especially one who has paved the way in a particular field, organization, or movement.
- Senior; Elder: A person of greater age, experience, or seniority within a specific profession, discipline, or community, often commanding respect.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Chúng tôi luôn kính trọng và học hỏi từ các tiền bối. (We always respect and learn from our predecessors.)
- Tiền bối của anh ấy trong công ty đã để lại một di sản xuất sắc. (His senior at the company left an excellent legacy.)
- Cô ấy là một tiền bối trong ngành nghiên cứu khoa học. (She is a forerunner in the field of scientific research.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "tiền bối" carries a strong connotation of respect and veneration. It is not merely a neutral term for someone older but implies their role as a trailblazer or established figure whose contributions are recognized and valued by the current generation.
- It is commonly used in formal, professional, or organizational contexts (e.g., academia, companies, revolutionary movements, arts) rather than in casual family settings.
Variants and Related Words
- Hậu bối (n): Junior; successor; the later generation. This is the direct antonym of "tiền bối".
- Các hậu bối nên lắng nghe lời khuyên của tiền bối. (Juniors should listen to the advice of their seniors.)
Synonyms
- Predecessor: One who held a position or role before another.
- Forerunner: A person or thing that precedes the coming or development of someone or something else.
- Senior: A person who is older or of higher rank.
- Elder: A person of greater age or experience.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Theo gót/ bước chân tiền bối: To follow in the footsteps of one's predecessors.
- Thế hệ trẻ nguyện theo gót các tiền bối cách mạng. (The young generation vows to follow in the footsteps of the revolutionary predecessors.)
- Kính trọng tiền bối: To respect one's seniors/elders (a common cultural value).
- Kính trọng tiền bối là một truyền thống tốt đẹp. (Respecting one's seniors is a fine tradition.)