Meanings of 前沿
By ear
Play it, then pick what 前沿 means.
About 前沿
Podcast: 前沿
Podcast: 前沿
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 前沿
前沿 (qiányán) vs 尖端 (jiānduān) — use 前沿 for broader fields of advancement, while 尖端 refers specifically to the most advanced point or tip of something.
Be careful not to confuse 前沿 with similar terms like 边缘 (biān yuán), which means 'edge' or 'marginal'. This term is generally used in formal contexts related to academic or technological discussions, so maintain an appropriate register when using it.
While 前沿 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects well with other words related to progress and innovation, such as 发展 (fā zhǎn - development) and 科技 (kē jì - technology). Focus on recognizing it in academic texts or discussions.
Learners often confuse 前沿 with 先端 (xiān duān), which also means 'cutting edge' but is less common in everyday usage. The correct phrase should be '在科技的前沿' (at the forefront of technology), not '在科技的先端'.
Pronunciation of 前沿
Drill the tone of 前沿, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 前沿 to you
Let me explain 前沿 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 前沿 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 前沿?
Learning Lab
Knowing 前沿 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say front-line in Chinese
“front-line” in Chinese is前沿
前沿 (qián yán) refers to the forefront or cutting edge of a particular field, especially in science and technology. It is commonly used to describe advancements, innovative ideas, or front-line positions in various domains, indicating a state of progress and exploration.
When to use 前沿
Be careful not to confuse 前沿 with similar terms like 边缘 (biān yuán), which means 'edge' or 'marginal'. This term is generally used in formal contexts related to academic or technological discussions, so maintain an appropriate register when using it.
前沿 or something close to it
前沿 (qiányán) vs 尖端 (jiānduān) — use 前沿 for broader fields of advancement, while 尖端 refers specifically to the most advanced point or tip of something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 前沿 with 先端 (xiān duān), which also means 'cutting edge' but is less common in everyday usage. The correct phrase should be '在科技的前沿' (at the forefront of technology), not '在科技的先端'.
Write 前沿
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 前沿 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 前沿?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 前沿
You can say, '中国在人工智能领域处于前沿' which means 'China is at the forefront of artificial intelligence.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 前沿?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.