JLPT N1 Grammar

〜に先駆けて (ni sakigakete)

〜に先駆けて (ni sakigakete)
“Ahead of...; to be the first to...; in a pioneer-like manner.”

This expression indicates that an action is performed before others do it, often implying a sense of being a pioneer, a leader, or taking the initiative in a competitive environment.

It is highly common in business news, corporate announcements, annual reports, and strategic presentations. Primarily used in written Japanese (press releases, reports) or formal spoken contexts (keynote speeches, official briefings).

Nuance: Unlike the neutral "before", this grammar carries a strong positive nuance of proactive leadership. It implies that the subject is leading the way or setting a trend before the rest of the industry or world follows. It is almost always used for intentional, significant human or corporate actions.

Format

  • Noun + に先駆けて
    新製品の発売に先駆けて、記者会見が行われた。 A press conference was held ahead of the new product launch.
  • Noun + に先駆ける + Noun
    世界に先駆ける新技術を開発する。 We will develop new technology that leads the world.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Our company started mass-producing next-generation AI chips ahead of our competitors.
  • 。
    Japan entered an ultra-aged society ahead of the rest of the world.
  • 、。
    We will accept pre-orders ahead of the general sale of the new product.
  • 、。
    We will conduct test marketing in Asia ahead of the European market.
  • 、。
    They are showing initiatives that lead the industry, such as establishing their own standards.
  • 、。
    Prior to full-scale adoption, a trial introduction was carried out in some departments.
  • 、。
    The founder advocated for remote work ahead of the times.
  • 、。
    We will create our own corporate ethical guidelines ahead of the development of legislation.

Similar Grammar

〜に先立って (ni sakidatte)

"Prior to..."
会議に先立って、資料を配ります。 Prior to the meeting, I will distribute the materials.

Difference:

  • Neutral. Used for administrative preparations before an event (e.g., "briefing before the meeting").
  • 〜に先駆けて implies a competitive lead or being a pioneer.

〜に先んじて (ni sakinjite)

"In advance of..."
他社に先んじて、新しいサービスを開始した。 We started the new service ahead of other companies.

Difference:

  • Very similar to ~に先立って but slightly more formal/strategic.
  • It lacks the "pioneer/trendsetter" nuance that ~に先駆けて carries.

〜を皮切りに (o kawakiri ni)

"Starting with..."
東京公演を皮切りに、全国ツアーが始まる。 Starting with the Tokyo performance, the nationwide tour will begin.

Difference:

  • Focuses on the succession of events starting from one point.
  • 〜に先駆けて focuses on the timing relative to others.

〜を前にして (o mae ni shite)

"With ... approaching; in the face of..."
試験を前にして、みんな緊張している。 Everyone is nervous with the exam just ahead of them.

Difference:

  • Focuses on the psychological state or immediate situation before an upcoming event (e.g., "With the deadline approaching...").

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. （　　　）、わがはのにした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. のは、のをした（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. の（　　　）に先駆けて、をする。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. のにより、はの1（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. （　　　）、このはをした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. ののは、の8（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. の（　　　）に先駆けて、のが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. をにするなど、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. （　　　）、が。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. のは、そのを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. （　　　）、そのはなをした。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. のは、の1.5（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. の（　　　）、Aはを。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. のを（　　　）に先駆けて、を。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. のは、をした（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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