先锋
xiān fēng · HSK 6
vanguard
🚩 先 (ahead) + 锋 (blade-tip) — the leading edge that cuts forward
锋 alone means a sharp point or weapon's edge. Together: whoever is first (先) at the blade-front (锋) is the pioneer breaking new ground.
先 — 𠂉 (person variant) on top + 儿 (legs) below
先 originally depicted a person with a foot or step shown above the legs 儿, suggesting someone walking ahead. From this image of going before others came the meanings 'first,' 'earlier,' and 'ahead.' The modern shape preserves the 'legs' radical underneath.