Chinese

xiān
Meaning: first; before; earlier
Part of Speech: Adverb, Noun

Listen to pronunciation

Handwriting

先

Example sentences

You go first, I'll be there shortly.
他先吃早餐,然後去學校。
他先吃早餐,然后去学校。
He eats breakfast first, then goes to school.
醫生說傷口還沒好,今天先不要亂動。
医生说伤口还没好,今天先不要乱动。
The doctor said the wound has not healed yet, so I should not move around carelessly today.
在開會之前,請先閱讀這份報告。
在开会之前,请先阅读这份报告。
Please read this report before the meeting.
買東西要先看清價格。
买东西要先看清价格。
Before buying things, you should check the price clearly.
選禮物時,可以先想對方的興趣,比如音樂或料理。
选礼物时,可以先想对方的兴趣,比如音乐或料理。
When choosing a gift, you can first think about the other person's interests, such as music or cooking.
出發之前,我們先在地圖上規劃好行車路線。
出发之前,我们先在地图上规划好行车路线。
Before starting, we first planned the driving route on the map.
他先做了自我介紹,隨後開始演講。
他先做了自我介绍,随后开始演讲。
He first introduced himself, and subsequently began his speech.
請先在櫃檯登記。
请先在柜台登记。
Please register at the counter first.
公司遇重大決策,總會先諮詢股東們的意見再做決定。
公司遇重大决策,总会先咨询股东们的意见再做决定。
The company always consults the shareholders' opinions before making major decisions.

Usage Notes

Indicates something that happens before another action or in a sequence.

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