B2 noun Formal

선구자

/sʰʌngud͡ʑa/

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 5
1

아인슈타인은 상대성 이론의 선구자이다.

Einstein is a pioneer of the theory of relativity.

2

우리는 이 분야의 선구자적인 역할을 수행해 왔다.

We have played a pioneering role in this field.

3

이 회사는 전기차 시장의 선구자입니다.

This company is a pioneer in the electric vehicle market.

Word Family

Noun
선구자
Verb
선구하다
Adverb
null
Adjective
선구적인
💡

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

1

아인슈타인은 상대성 이론의 선구자이다.

academic

Einstein is a pioneer of the theory of relativity.

2

우리는 이 분야의 선구자적인 역할을 수행해 왔다.

formal

We have played a pioneering role in this field.

3

이 회사는 전기차 시장의 선구자입니다.

business

This company is a pioneer in the electric vehicle market.

4

그분은 여성 교육의 선구자셨어.

everyday

She was a pioneer in women's education.

5

네가 이 게임의 선구자가 되어봐.

informal

Try becoming a pioneer in this game.

Word Family

Noun
선구자
Verb
선구하다
Adverb
null
Adjective
선구적인

Common Collocations

선구자적 역할 pioneering role
시대의 선구자 pioneer of the era
학문의 선구자 pioneer of learning
선구자로 불리다 to be called a pioneer
선구자 정신 pioneer spirit

Common Phrases

선구적인 연구

pioneering research

선구자의 길

the path of a pioneer

선구자적 안목

pioneering insight

Often Confused With

선구자 vs 지도자

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

~의 선구자 선구자적인 ~
🌍

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

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free