そせん祖先sosen
1.

A person from whom one is descended, particularly referring to the earliest members of a family or lineage, encompassing all predecessors up to the present generation.

2.

A term used to denote the spiritual presence or essence of those who came before, often invoked in a more formal or abstract context compared to related terms.

3.

The origins or earlier forms of a species or culture, indicating the evolutionary or historical roots that led to the present-day embodiment of that entity.

Example:

私たちは祖先をうやまうべきだ。

そせん祖先sosennoれいrei
1.

The spiritual essence or presence of one's ancestors, believed to influence and guide the living descendants.

2.

The revered souls of forebears, often invoked in rituals for blessings, protection, or guidance through familial lineage.

3.

The collective memory and spiritual legacy of previous generations, symbolizing the connection between the past and present within a family.

4.

The ethereal beings representing departed family members, held in honor and often celebrated in cultural ceremonies and traditions.