先 (xiān) — first, in advance, before others

Definition

先 marks order — 'do A first, then B' (eat 先, then homework). It just sets sequence, unlike 提前 which means doing something earlier than scheduled.

adverb

firstin advancebefore others

Easily confused

先，。
Nǐ xiān chī fàn, zài xiě zuò yè.
Eat first, then do your homework.
先，。
Wǒ xiān qù chāo shì, nǐ zài zhè lǐ děng wǒ.
I'll go to the supermarket first; wait for me here.
先。
Shàng kè qián qǐng xiān bǎ shū dǎ kāi.
Please open your books before class.

Compound ideograph

六书liùshū

会意huìyì

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

先 combines 止 (foot) and 儿 (person) to show someone moving forward.

Appears in