先 (xiān) — first, in advance, before others
Definition
先 marks the first step in a sequence ('do A first, then B'). Use it for ordering actions; 提前 means doing something earlier than scheduled, and 事先 is a more formal noun for 'in advance'.
adverb
firstin advancebefore others
Easily confused
- 充chōnglook-aliketo fill; to charge (a battery)
- 鲜xiānsound-alikefresh (of food, flowers, etc.)
- 兜dōulook-alike(noun) pocket; small bag (as in clothing or accessories)
- 掀xiānsound-aliketo lift (a lid, cover, etc.)
- 光guānglook-alike(noun) light; ray
- 匹pǐlook-alike(classifier) for horses, mules, and other equine animals
Examples
- 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.
Grammar
Appears in
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