に先駆けて
First, Prior to, Pioneer, Ahead of
Structure
Explanation
The expression に先駆け follows a noun to convey that an action (B) was performed ‘before (A)’ or ‘in advance of (A)’. It is formed from the case-marking particle に and the conjunctive form of the verb 先駆ける, which means ‘to be a pioneer’. This grammar point suggests that the action taken was the first of its kind, often influencing others in the same group to do the same.
It can often be translated as ‘being the first to…’, ‘leading the way for…’, or ‘ahead of…’. The form に先駆けて, which includes the conjunction particle て, is also frequently used with no change in meaning.
- その会社は業界に先駆け、環境に優しい新製品を発売した。Leading the way in the industry, that company released a new eco-friendly product.
- この町は全国に先駆け、レジ袋の無料配布を禁止した。Ahead of the rest of the country, this town banned the free distribution of plastic bags.
- B社は他社に先駆けて、折りたたみ可能なスマートフォンを市場に出した。Beating its competitors to the market, Company B released a foldable smartphone.
Because this grammar pattern implies being the first within a larger group, it frequently appears with words that represent a collective entity, such as 世界 (the world), 全国 (the entire country), 業界 (an industry), or 他社 (other companies).
Examples
あの会社はライバル企業に先駆けて折りたたみスマホを開発した。
That company developed a foldable smartphone, getting a jump on its rivals.
映画祭の告知：「この作品は、劇場公開に先駆けて、本映画祭で世界初上映となります。」
Film Festival Announcement: 'This film will have its world premiere at this festival, ahead of its theatrical release.'
そのブランドは他のブランドに先駆けて、秋のコレクションを発表した。
That brand announced its autumn collection ahead of all the other brands.
彼女のチームは世界に先駆けて、がんの新たな治療法を発見した。
Her team discovered a new treatment for cancer, becoming the first in the world to do so.
その町は全国の自治体に先駆けてレジ袋の有料化を実施した。
Leading the nation's municipalities, that town was the first to implement a fee for plastic shopping bags.
その国はアジアに先駆けて、同性婚を合法化しました。
Paving the way for the rest of Asia, that country was the first to legalize same-sex marriage.