Meaning and Usage
"先頭" (せんとう) means "head," "lead," or "vanguard." It refers to the very front position in a line, group, or sequence. It is commonly used in contexts like lists, races, or groups where something or someone is leading or positioned first.
Common Contexts
You will often see "先頭" used when talking about the first item in a list, the leading runner in a race, or the front part of a vehicle or formation.
Collocations and Patterns
- 先頭に立つ: to take the lead or be at the forefront
- 先頭車両: the front car (of a train or vehicle)
- 先頭を走る: to run at the lead (in a race)
Register and Nuance
"先頭" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in written and spoken Japanese without any particular politeness level.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "先頭" with "最初" (さいしょ), which means "first" in terms of time or order. "先頭" specifically refers to the front position in a spatial or sequential arrangement, not just the first in time.