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March 24, 2026
领先(領先)lǐngxiān(ling3xian1)
The term '领先' means to lead or to be in front, often used in contexts such as business, sports, or competition. It conveys the idea of being ahead of others in a particular area, such as technology or innovation, and is commonly used to describe someone or something that sets trends or standards.
Frequency#3359DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
'领先' is often used in discussions about China's rapid technological advancements, highlighting how companies like Huawei or Alibaba are seen as leaders in their fields, reflecting a national pride in innovation and progress.
Memory Tip
Imagine a lion ('领') leading a pack of animals ('先') through the jungle. The lion is always in front, showing the way, just like a leader who is '领先' in a race or competition.
Meanings of 领先
lǐngxiān(ling3xian1)
1to lead
2to be in front
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 领先
领先Simplified
領先Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3359Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 领先
Podcast: 领先
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AI Study Notes for 领先
Quick Contrast
领先 (lǐngxiān) vs 领先者 (lǐngxiān zhě) — use 领先 for the action/state of leading, while 领先者 refers specifically to the person or entity that is leading.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a lion ('领') leading a pack of animals ('先') through the jungle. The lion is always in front, showing the way, just like a leader who is '领先' in a race or competition.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing '领先' with similar terms like '领导' (to lead/manage) or '前面' (in front), which have different nuances. '领先' is typically used in competitive contexts, and learners should be aware that it is more formal than casual expressions for 'being ahead'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, '领先' connects to other advanced vocabulary dealing with leadership and competitiveness. Students should focus on using it in sentences about achievements or comparisons, enhancing their ability to discuss leadership dynamics.
Cultural Note
'领先' is often used in discussions about China's rapid technological advancements, highlighting how companies like Huawei or Alibaba are seen as leaders in their fields, reflecting a national pride in innovation and progress.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '领先' with '领导'; for example, saying '他是我们的领先' (He is our lead) instead of '他是我们的领导' (He is our leader). Remember that '领先' is used to describe being ahead, not managing others.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 领先
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Grammar Patterns of 领先
领先 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
三名____的竞争者陷入一场鏖战。
The three leading contenders were locked in a dogfight.
The company was coasting on the enormous success of its early products.
10
良好的教育会让你的孩子在人生的起跑线上比别人领先一步。
liáng hǎo de jiào yù huì ràng nǐ de hái zǐ zài rén shēng de qǐ pǎo xiàn shàng bǐ bié rén lǐng xiān yī bù。
A good education gives your child a head start in life.
Cultural Notes for 领先
🏮Cultural insight
'领先' is often used in discussions about China's rapid technological advancements, highlighting how companies like Huawei or Alibaba are seen as leaders in their fields, reflecting a national pride in innovation and progress.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
In Western contexts, being 'in the lead' may emphasize individualism, while in Chinese culture, it often reflects collective progress, where a leader's success is seen as beneficial for the whole group.
Frequently Asked Questions about 领先
You can say, '这家公司在技术方面领先于所有竞争对手。' (This company is leading in technology compared to all its competitors.)
Yes, while it's more formal, you can use it in discussions about school projects or sports to indicate who is ahead.
'领先' refers specifically to being in front or ahead, while '领导' means to lead in a managerial sense.
