前進
zenshin[d͡zẽ̞ɰ̃ɕĩɴ]
The Japanese phrase 'advance' is translated as 前進 (zenshin).
前進 is used to describe moving forward or approaching. It is commonly used in military or tactical contexts to describe a unit moving forward.
Meaning: to move forwards, to approach (verb)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between physical and abstract movement. 前進 refers to physical movement forward in space, whereas 進歩 is used for advancement in skill, technology or abstract progress.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
zenshin
Did you know?
- In traditional Japanese martial arts, the act of 前進 is often accompanied by specific footwork called suri-ashi, where the feet slide across the floor without lifting.
- The word 前進 is frequently used in the context of 'fighting spirit' or mental grit. In motivational contexts, it can describe a person's inner determination to move forward despite obstacles, not just a physical movement.
- In a business setting, instead of saying 前進 for a project's progress, people almost always use the word 進捗 ('shinchoku').
Examples in context
- 交渉が進展するnegotiations advance
- ビジネスが発展するbusiness advances
- プロジェクトは順調に進んでいくthe project is progressing smoothly
- 軍隊が前進を開始した。Guntai ga zenshin o kaishi shita.The army began to advance.
- 一歩ずつ前進しよう。Ippo zutsu zenshin shiyou.Let's advance one step at a time.
- 敵に向かって前進する。Teki ni mukatte zenshin suru.Advance toward the enemy.
Example conversation
Yota and Yui are playing a board game.
- 陽太 Yotaサイコロを振って前進するよ。Saikorou o futte zenshin suru yo.I'll roll the dice and move forward.
- 結衣 Yuiいいよ。どこまで行けるかな？Ii yo. Doko made ikeru kana?Okay. I wonder how far you can go?
- 陽太 Yotaすごいい！三マス前進したよ。Sugoi! San-masu zenshin shita yo.Amazing! I advanced three spaces.
- 結衣 Yuiいいな、次は私の番だね。Ii na, tsugi wa watashi no ban da ne.Lucky, it's my turn next.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 前進, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
