先頭

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 先頭 is read as せんとう and is a noun for the foremost position or person in a line, procession, or race.
• Basic usage: Use 列の先頭 for the position, 先頭を歩く for walking there, and 先頭に立つ for taking the lead.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference between を and に
  • 先頭を歩く describes movement at the front, while 先頭に立つ describes occupying or moving into the leading position.
• Contrast with 最初
  • 最初 broadly marks the first in time or order, whereas 先頭 focuses on the relative front of a line or competition.