先

xiān

HSK 3

Meaning

beforehand; first; earlier
at first; originally
for the time being; for now
(prefix) my late (in referring to deceased relatives older than oneself)

Definition

时间或顺序在前；首要的。

First in time or order; primary.

Usage

常用于表示顺序、时间上的优先，或用于比较。

Often used to indicate priority in order or time, or for comparison.

Examples

1 你先去，我随后就到。(You go first, I'll come later.)
2 凡事要先考虑后果。(Always consider the consequences first.)
3 他先学中文，然后再学日文。(He studies Chinese first, then Japanese.)
4 我们先吃饭吧，别等了。(Let's eat first, don't wait.)
5 他比我先到公司。(He arrived at the company earlier than me.)

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