Definition
先 (xiān) is an adverb meaning 'first' in a sequence of actions — it emphasizes order (do this before that). It's different from 早 (zǎo), which means 'early' in time, and from 首先 (shǒuxiān), which is used to list the first point in a speech or argument. 先 is the everyday word for 'first' in commands or schedules.
adverb
firstin advancebefore others
Easily confused
- 充chōnglook-aliketo fill; to charge (a battery)
- 线xiànsound-alikethread; string; wire; line
- 兜dōulook-alike(noun) pocket; small bag (as in clothing or accessories)
- 险xiǎnsound-alike(adjective) dangerous, perilous
- 光guānglook-alike(noun) light; ray
- 献xiànsound-aliketo offer, to present (with respect, e.g. flowers, gifts, opinion)
- 匹pǐlook-alike(classifier) for horses, mules, and other equine animals
- 陷xiànsound-aliketo sink into, to get stuck in (physical substance); to cave in
- 显xiǎnsound-alike(adjective) prominent, conspicuous, obvious
- 县xiànsound-alikecounty
Examples
- 先，。Nǐ xiān chīfàn, zài xiě zuòyè.Eat first, then do your homework.
- 先，。Wǒ xiān qù chāoshì, nǐ zài zhèlǐ děng wǒ.I'll go to the supermarket first; wait for me here.
- 先。Shàngkè qián qǐng xiān bǎ shū dǎkāi.Please open your books before class.
Grammar
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