How to say "predecessor" in Japanese

• 先人せんじんCommon
  nounCovers 'predecessor' in the broad sense of those who came before us — forebears, ancestors, pioneers — rather than the specific person who previously held your job or office. Often respectful or historical in tone.
  彼かれは先人せんじんと同おなじ道みちを歩あゆむことを名誉めいよだと信しんじている。↗

  He believes it to be an honor to follow in his predecessor's footsteps.
• 前任者ぜんにんしゃCommon
  nounThe straightforward word for the person who held a post or job before the current holder — your predecessor at work or in office. The default choice for this sense of 'predecessor'.
  私は前任者ぜんにんしゃの方針ほうしんを踏襲とうしゅうする考かんがえです。↗

  I intend to follow my predecessor's policy.
• 前任ぜんにんCommon
  no-adjectiveRefers to the previous holder of a post or the previous post itself, and typically works like 'former', modifying another noun. To name the person by itself, 前任者 is the usual word.
• 先輩せんぱいJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, suffixThe word for a senior — someone at the same school or workplace who joined before you. Broader than 'predecessor': it does not specifically mean the person who previously held your position.
  私わたしたちは彼かれをよき先輩せんぱいとして尊敬そんけいしている。↗

  We respect him as a good senior.
• 先代せんだいJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounUsed for the previous head of a family, household, or family business — the former owner or boss of a shop or firm. Not the usual word for an ordinary workplace predecessor.

For the person who held your post before you use 前任者; 先代 for a former family-business head; 先人 for forebears and pioneers; 先輩 for seniors generally; 前任 works mainly as a modifier.

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

• 先人せんじんpredecessor
• 前任者ぜんにんしゃpredecessor
• 前任ぜんにんformer (incumbent)
• 先輩せんぱいsenior (at school, work, etc.)
• 前人ぜんじんpredecessor
• 先任せんにんseniority
• 先代せんだいpredecessor
• 前職ぜんしょくpredecessor