先

• Reading: さき
• Romaji: saki
• Kanji breakdown: 先 (saki/sen) — ahead, previous, tip
• Pronunciation: /sa.ki/

Meaning

Ahead; beyond; tip; end. Indicates what is further along in space or time.

A versatile noun with multiple related meanings: the tip or point of something, the place ahead or beyond, and the future or destination. When giving directions, この先 means 'up ahead.' It also appears in time expressions like 先に (first, ahead of someone) and 先月 (last month).

Examples

1. この道の先に学校があります。 There is a school ahead on this road.
2. お先にどうぞ。 After you. / Go ahead, please.
3. もう少し先に行くと右に公園があります。 If you go a little further ahead, there is a park on the right.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, time, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 先 depicts a foot stepping forward above a person, conveying the idea of being ahead or going first.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal