Definition

1. Noun:
   • Predecessor; Ancestor; Forebear: A person who lived in a previous time, especially one from whom a person, family, or group is directly descended or from whom a tradition, legacy, or institution originates.
   • The Ancients; Those Who Came Before: Refers collectively to people of former times, often with respect for their wisdom, achievements, or foundational role.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Chúng ta nên biết ơn công lao của các tiền nhân. (We should be grateful for the merits of our ancestors.)
  • Tiền nhân đã để lại nhiều di sản quý giá. (Our predecessors left behind many valuable legacies.)
  • Bài học từ tiền nhân vẫn còn nguyên giá trị. (The lessons from the ancients remain fully valuable.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "tiền nhân" is formal and carries a tone of deep respect and veneration. It is commonly used in historical, philosophical, cultural, and ceremonial contexts.
• It often implies a direct lineage or connection, whether familial, national, or spiritual, and emphasizes the debt or responsibility of the present generation towards the past.

Variants and Related Words

• Tổ tiên (n): Ancestors, forefathers. This is a more common and general term for ancestors, especially in familial contexts.

  • Thờ cúng tổ tiên là một phong tục quan trọng. (Worshipping ancestors is an important tradition.)

• Tiền bối (n): Senior; predecessor (often in a specific field, organization, or profession).

  • Các tiền bối trong ngành luật đã đặt nền móng vững chắc. (The seniors in the legal profession laid a solid foundation.)

Synonyms

• Ancestors: People from whom one is descended.
• Forebears / Forefathers: Members of past generations, especially in one's family or nation.
• Predecessors: Those who came before in a specific position or role.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Công đức tiền nhân: The merits and virtues of the ancestors.

  • Hưởng lộc nhờ công đức tiền nhân. (To enjoy benefits thanks to the merits of the ancestors.)

• Di ngôn của tiền nhân: The teachings or last words of the forebears.

  • Chúng ta phải ghi nhớ di ngôn của tiền nhân. (We must remember the teachings of our forebears.)

noun

1. predecessor