How to say "forefront" in Japanese

• 最先端さいせんたんCommon
  no-adjectiveThe forefront as the most advanced point of progress: the cutting edge or state of the art. Used of things such as technology, research, or fashion at their newest stage.
• 最前線さいぜんせんCommon
  nounThe front line, literal or figurative: the forefront of a battle, campaign, or field of work, where the actual action is. Often used of people working or fighting there.
• 第一線だいいっせんCommon
  nounThe front line of a profession or field: where practitioners are actively engaged at the top level. Said of leading figures in a field, and of retiring from such active work.
  彼女かのじょは今いまも第一線だいいっせんで活躍かつやくしている。↗

  She's still active in the front lines.
• 急先鋒きゅうせんぽうCommon
  nounThe vanguard sense of forefront: a person or group at the head of a movement or campaign, often spearheading attack or criticism. It denotes the leading figure, not a place or point.
• 先頭せんとうJLPT N2approx.Common
  nounThe physical front of a line or group: the head of a queue, procession, or race. Also used of taking the lead; the forefront of technology calls for a different word.
  さあ出発しゅっぱつしよう。君くん先頭せんとうを行いきなさい。↗

  Let's start now, and you go first.

Use 最先端 for the cutting edge of technology, 最前線 for the front line of battle or campaign, 第一線 for front-line work in a profession, 急先鋒 for a movement's vanguard, and 先頭 for the front of a line or group.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 最先端さいせんたんcutting edge
• 最前線さいぜんせんfront line
• 第一線だいいっせんthe front (of a battlefield)
• 急先鋒きゅうせんぽうvan (of a movement)
• 先頭せんとうhead (of a line, group, etc.)
• 先端せんたんforefront
• 一線いっせんforefront
• フロンティアfrontier (of a field)