cin4 long6前浪

Jyutpingcin4 long6

Yalechìhn lohng

名詞

Definition

The older generation, the previous generation.

colloquialpeople

How it's used

Often used in the context of professional or social succession, this term carries a slightly metaphorical tone compared to plain terms like 長輩. It is almost always paired with 後浪 to highlight the inevitable cycle of the new replacing the old. While it can imply someone is becoming obsolete, it is frequently used to acknowledge the foundational contributions of those who came before.

Examples

cin4前long6浪dou1都teoi3退zo2咗lok6落lai4嚟，ji1依gaa1家hai6係hau6後saang1生zai2仔ge3嘅tin1天haa6下。

The older generation has stepped back; it is the young people's world now.

nei5你m4唔hou2好tai2睇siu2小cin4前long6浪，keoi5佢dei6哋ging1經jim6驗hou2好fung1豐fu3富㗎。

Don't underestimate the older generation; they have a lot of experience.

Common phrases

coeng4長gong1江hau6後long6浪teoi1推cin4前long6浪

the new generation replaces the old

Common mistake

Avoid using this to refer to someone's specific parents or relatives in a family setting, as it sounds too abstract and impersonal. Use 長輩 or 屋企人 instead.