N1 Opportunity, Trigger, and Starting Point
~に先駆けて: meaning, usage and examples
~に先駆けて means: in advance of... / before...
How to form it
<Noun> + に先駆けて / に先駆け
Examples
その新機能は、他社に先駆けてわが社が導入した。
Our company implemented that new feature in advance of other companies.
映画の公開に先駆けて、試写会が開かれた。
A preview screening was held in advance of the movie's release.
一般発売に先駆けて、会員向けの先行販売が行われる。
Ahead of the general release, there will be an advance sale for members.
この病院は、全国に先駆けて新しい治療法を取り入れた。
This hospital adopted the new treatment ahead of the rest of the country.
When to use it
Means "ahead of A" or "before others did." It describes being first, either before a main event (a preview before the release) or before competitors (the first company to adopt something). Example: 他社に先駆けて新製品を発表した (they announced the new product ahead of their rivals).
Nuance
Formal and positive; it often sounds like praise for being a pioneer. Common in business, news and announcements. Not used for ordinary daily order ("I ate before you"). The noun is usually an event, a rival group, the nation or the world.
Compare
に先立って means "before (as preparation)" and is neutral: 開会に先立ち、挨拶がある. に先駆けて stresses being the first one, ahead of everyone else, or leading the way: 世界に先駆けて開発した. Everyday version: より先に or the plain の前に: 他の会社より先に発表した.
Tip: Read 先駆け as "pioneer." If being first is something to be proud of, に先駆けて fits; for simple preparation, use に先立って.
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Frequently asked questions
What does ~に先駆けて mean?
In advance of... / before.... Example: その新機能は、他社に先駆けてわが社が導入した。 (Our company implemented that new feature in advance of other companies.)
How do you form ~に先駆けて?
<Noun> + に先駆けて / に先駆け. Read 先駆け as "pioneer." If being first is something to be proud of, に先駆けて fits; for simple preparation, use に先立って.