引领 (yǐnlǐng)

To lead or pioneer means to go ahead and show the way, inspiring or guiding others to follow, often used for innovation, trends, or social progress.

Meanings

[verb] to lead; to pioneer; to guide forward; to show the way; to set the trend for

Example Sentences

中国正在努力引领全球新能源技术的发展。 Zhōngguó zhèngzài nǔlì yǐnlǐng quánqiú xīn néngyyuán jìshù de fāzhǎn. China is working hard to lead the development of global new energy technology.

这位设计师引领了国际时装界的新潮流。 Zhè wèi shèjì shī yǐnlǐngle guójì shízhuāng jiè de xīn cháoliú. This designer led a new trend in the international fashion world.

改革先行者引领着整个社会走向更加公平的未来。 Gǎigé xiānxíngyǔ yǐnlǐngzhe zhěnggè shèhuì zǒuxiàng gèngjiā gōngpíng de wèilái. Reform pioneers are leading the entire society toward a more equitable future.

优秀教师的责任不只是传授知识，更是引领学生成长。 Yōuxiù jiàoshī de zérèn bù zhǐshì chuánshòu zhīshi, gèng shì yǐnlǐng xuéshēng chéngzhǎng. An excellent teacher's responsibility is not just to impart knowledge, but more importantly to lead students' growth.

这家科技公司引领了人工智能行业的发展方向。 Zhè jiā kējì gōngsī yǐnlǐngle réngōng zhìnéng hángyè de fāzhǎn fāngxiàng. This technology company has led the direction of development in the artificial intelligence industry.

文化引领是推动社会文明进步的重要力量。 Wénhuà yǐnlǐng shì tuīdòng shèhuì wénmíng jìnbù de zhòngyào lìliàng. Cultural leadership is an important force for promoting the progress of social civilization.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
引领潮流 (yǐnlǐng cháoliú)	to lead/set a trend
引领发展 (yǐnlǐng fāzhǎn)	to lead development
引领时代 (yǐnlǐng shídài)	to lead the era/times
引领方向 (yǐnlǐng fāngxiàng)	to lead/set the direction
文化引领 (wénhuà yǐnlǐng)	cultural leadership
引领创新 (yǐnlǐng chuàngxīn)	to lead innovation

Usage Notes

引领 is more elevated and visionary than 引导. While 引导 implies guiding someone step by step along a process, 引领 suggests showing the way at the forefront -- the leader is ahead of others, inspiring them to follow. It carries a sense of pioneering and prestige.

引领 is commonly used in discussions of industry leadership, national development, cultural influence, and innovation. It is a favorite term in official Chinese government and Party language when describing leading roles in global development.

Memory Hook

引 (to draw/pull) + 领 (to lead/collar) -- pulling from the front by the collar, charging ahead and bringing others in your wake. A true frontrunner.