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超前 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
超前chāoqiánto be ahead of one's timeHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #20892, Very Hard
超前chāoqiánto surpass or outdo one's predecessorsHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #20892, Very Hard
超前chāoqiánto be ahead of the packHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #20892, Very Hard
超前chāoqiánto take the leadHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #20892, Very Hard
超前chāoqiánadvancedHSK 7, unknown, 21 strokes, rank #20892, Very Hard
chāoqián(chao1qian2)chao qian T1
  1. 1to be ahead of one's time
  2. 2to surpass or outdo one's predecessors
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March 24, 2026

超前chāoqián(chao1qian2)

超前 (chāoqián) means to be ahead of one's time or to surpass one's predecessors. It can describe ideas, technology, or trends that are considered advanced or progressive. This term is often used in contexts related to innovation or leadership, where being ahead of the pack is seen as an advantage.

Strokes21Frequency#20892DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, being 超前 is often associated with the rapid development of technology and industry. The emphasis on innovation reflects the country's recent economic growth and its aspirations to be a global leader in various sectors.

Memory tip

Imagine a race where the character 超 (chāo) represents a fast runner and 前 (qián) signifies the front. Visualize this runner darting ahead of everyone else, leading the way with new ideas. The word reminds you that being 超前 means being at the forefront, ahead in the race of innovation.

Meanings of 超前

chāoqián(chao1qian2)
1to be ahead of one's time
2to surpass or outdo one's predecessors
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About 超前

超前Simplified
21Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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AI study notes for 超前

Quick Contrast

超越 (chāoyuè) - use 超前 (chāoqián) when emphasizing being ahead in time or trends, while 超越 (chāoyuè) focuses on surpassing in achievement or ability.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include confusing 超前 with similar terms like 领先 (lǐngxiān), which also means 'to lead.' While they can be similar, 超前 specifically emphasizes being advanced or ahead in terms of time or development. Note that this term is more formal and often used in business or academic contexts.

HSK Study Tips

While 超前 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it aligns with HSK 4-5 level concepts such as 发展 (fāzhǎn - development) and 创新 (chuàngxīn - innovation). Students should focus on recognizing how 超前 relates to discussions about technology and modern advancements.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 超前 in informal contexts where a simpler word like 先进 (xiānjìn) might be more appropriate. For example, saying '这部电影很超前' (This movie is very ahead) should be replaced with '这部电影很先进' (This movie is very advanced).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 超前

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Component characters

超chāoto exceed
HSK 512 strokes走
View full entry
前qiánfront
HSK 19 strokes刂
View full entry

How to say to be ahead of one's time in Chinese

“to be ahead of one's time” in Chinese is超前chāoqián

超前 (chāoqián) means to be ahead of one's time or to surpass one's predecessors. It can describe ideas, technology, or trends that are considered advanced or progressive. This term is often used in contexts related to innovation or leadership, where being ahead of the pack is seen as an advantage.

When to use 超前

Common mistakes include confusing 超前 with similar terms like 领先 (lǐngxiān), which also means 'to lead.' While they can be similar, 超前 specifically emphasizes being advanced or ahead in terms of time or development. Note that this term is more formal and often used in business or academic contexts.

超前 or something close to it

超越 (chāoyuè) - use 超前 (chāoqián) when emphasizing being ahead in time or trends, while 超越 (chāoyuè) focuses on surpassing in achievement or ability.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 超前 in informal contexts where a simpler word like 先进 (xiānjìn) might be more appropriate. For example, saying '这部电影很超前' (This movie is very ahead) should be replaced with '这部电影很先进' (This movie is very advanced).

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超
前

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Frequently asked questions about 超前

Yes, while it's more common in formal contexts, you can use it in everyday discussions about new ideas or trends.

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