先锋 xiānfēng vanguard
vanguard; pioneer; avant-garde
How to remember 先锋: 先 first + 锋 spear-point = vanguard.
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How it is used
- A vanguard/pioneer/trailblazer - 先锋队 (xiānfēngduì) the vanguard; 时代先锋 (pioneer of the age).
- Originally the military advance guard; now mostly figurative for those leading the way in a field.
- Also 'avant-garde' in arts: 先锋派 (xiānfēngpài), 先锋艺术 (avant-garde art). Positive, forward-leading register.