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率先 (shuài xiān) — to take the lead; to be the first to do something

Definition

率先 is a formal adverb meaning 'be the first to' or 'take the lead in' an action — emphasizes who did something first, not just showing initiative. Unlike 带头 or 牵头 (verbs describing the role of leading), 率先 modifies the verb directly.

adverb
to take the leadto be the first to do something

Examples

  • 率先。
    Tā shuài xiān jǔ shǒu huí dá le wèn tí.
    He was the first to raise his hand and answer the question.
  • 率先。
    Zhè jiā gōng sī shuài xiān tuī chū le xīn chǎn pǐn.
    This company took the lead in launching a new product.
  • 率先。
    Tā shuài xiān wán chéng le suǒ yǒu rèn wu.
    She was the first to complete all the tasks.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

率lǜlead
先xiānfirst

率 means to lead and 先 means to be first, so together they mean to take the lead.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

率 was drawn as a bird-catching net, with a stick above and below. In the form described, the lower horizontal stroke is missing, so the whole shape represents a rope.

Open 率 →

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.

Open 先 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 6Order & Arrangement

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