Godan verb, intransitive verb

  1. to lead, to take the lead (in doing something).
  2. to precede, to go before, to take precedence.
  3. to die before (esp. one's spouse, parents, etc.).
  4. to be a prerequisite.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
先立つ さきだつ
 
 
先だつ さきだつ

Contained Kanji Breakdown

before, ahead, previous
セン さき ま.ず (1st, N5)
legs radical (no. 10)
ジン ニン がい (Kentei 1)
stand up, rise, set up
た.つ リツ たつ (1st, N4)
kettle lid radical (no. 8)
トウ (Kentei 1)
grass, straw, herbs
to divide
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)