선구자
A person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area, or who initiates a new movement, theory, or field of study.
Examples
3 of 5아인슈타인은 상대성 이론의 선구자이다.
Einstein is a pioneer of the theory of relativity.
우리는 이 분야의 선구자적인 역할을 수행해 왔다.
We have played a pioneering role in this field.
이 회사는 전기차 시장의 선구자입니다.
This company is a pioneer in the electric vehicle market.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Sun-gu (선구) sounds like 'Soon-Go' - They go soon (early) before anyone else.
Quick Quiz
라이트 형제는 항공 분야의 ___이다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 선구자
Examples
아인슈타인은 상대성 이론의 선구자이다.
academicEinstein is a pioneer of the theory of relativity.
우리는 이 분야의 선구자적인 역할을 수행해 왔다.
formalWe have played a pioneering role in this field.
이 회사는 전기차 시장의 선구자입니다.
businessThis company is a pioneer in the electric vehicle market.
그분은 여성 교육의 선구자셨어.
everydayShe was a pioneer in women's education.
네가 이 게임의 선구자가 되어봐.
informalTry becoming a pioneer in this game.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
선구적인 연구
pioneering research
선구자의 길
the path of a pioneer
선구자적 안목
pioneering insight
Often Confused With
A leader (지도자) manages people, while a pioneer (선구자) is the first to do something.
Usage Notes
Used to show respect for historical figures or companies that started a new trend.
Common Mistakes
Do not use for someone who is just a 'leader'; they must have been 'the first' or 'very early' in the field.
Memory Tip
Sun-gu (선구) sounds like 'Soon-Go' - They go soon (early) before anyone else.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 先驅者 (선구자): 先 (before), 驅 (drive/ride), 者 (person).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The song '선구자' (The Pioneer) is a famous Korean art song about Korean independence activists in Manchuria.
Quick Quiz
라이트 형제는 항공 분야의 ___이다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 선구자
Related Vocabulary
More history words
현대
B2The present time or the contemporary era; often used to contrast with the past or traditional ways.
도래하다
B2To arrive or come, typically referring to a certain time, era, or significant stage in history or technology. It implies the beginning of a new period.
쇠퇴
B2The process of losing power, strength, or importance. A gradual decline in condition or prosperity.
변천
B2Transition, change, or evolution; the process of something changing or developing over a long period of time.
번영하다
B2To grow, develop, and be successful, especially in terms of wealth or culture.
유래하다
B2To originate from or have its roots in a specific source, place, or time. Often used in academic contexts to explain the history of a concept or the origin of a biological species.
저항하다
B1To resist, oppose, or withstand a force, influence, or authority. It can be used physically, socially, or scientifically (e.g., air resistance).
잔존하다
B1To remain, persist, or survive. It is often used to describe things from the past that still exist today, like customs or remnants.
배경
B1The circumstances or conditions that surround a situation or event; also refers to the physical setting or the rear part of a scene.
출현
B1The act of appearing or coming into existence for the first time. It is often used for the emergence of new technologies, species, or social trends.
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