先行する

• Reading: せんこうする
• Romaji: senkou suru
• Kanji breakdown: 先 (sen) — ahead, previous; 行 (kou) — go, conduct
• Pronunciation: /seɴ.koː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To precede; to go ahead; to take the lead.

A Group 3 (irregular) する verb meaning to go before or ahead of others. Used both literally (going physically ahead) and figuratively (preceding in time, taking initiative, or leading in competition). In academia, 先行研究 (prior research) is a key collocation. Can also describe a situation where one aspect dominates, as in 不安が先行する (anxiety takes precedence).

Examples

1. 先行研究を調べてからレポートを書き始めた。 I looked into prior research before starting to write my report.
2. 新商品の開発では競合他社に先行したい。 In developing new products, we want to get ahead of our competitors.
3. イメージが先行して実態が見えにくくなっている。 The image has taken on a life of its own, making it hard to see the reality.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, business, competition

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 先行. 先 (sen) means ahead or previous, and 行 (kou) means to go or to conduct. Together they mean going ahead or preceding.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated