领先

• Pinyin: lǐng xiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 领 = 令 (command) + 页 (head), meaning to lead; 先 = 止 (foot) + 儿 (person), meaning a person who walks ahead — first

Meaning

To be in the lead; to lead ahead of others. Used in competition, rankings, and progress.

Common in sports, business, technology, and academic contexts. 领先两分 means leading by two points. Can describe leading in a race, ranking, market share, or technological development. Slightly formal and often used in news and commentary.

Examples

1. 我们队现在领先三分。 Our team is currently leading by three points.
2. 这家公司在技术方面一直领先。 This company has always been ahead in technology.
3. 跑了一半以后，他开始领先了。 After running half the distance, he started to take the lead.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, competition, business

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 他在比赛中一直领先。(He was in the lead throughout the match.)
• 中国在这个领域处于领先地位。(China is in a leading position in this field.)

Don't Say

• 我领先了考试。(Don't use 领先 with an exam as its object — 领先 is about being ahead relative to competitors. Say 我考试考了第一名.)

Origin & History

领 means to lead; 先 means first or ahead. Together: to lead at the front — to be ahead of others.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal