先

• Pinyin: xiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 先 = 𠂉 (top) + 儿 (legs/person) — a person stepping forward first

Meaning

First; beforehand; in advance. An adverb indicating something happens before something else.

Used to indicate priority or sequence. Very commonly placed before a verb to mean 'do something first.' Often paired with 再 or 然后 to describe a sequence of actions. Essential for giving instructions and describing routines.

Examples

1. 你先吃饭，再做作业。 Eat first, then do homework.
2. 我先去买水。 I'll go buy water first.
3. 先听老师说。 Listen to the teacher first.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, instruction

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们先走吧。(Let's go first.)
• 先洗手再吃饭。(Wash your hands first, then eat.)

Don't Say

• 先的你去。(Wrong structure — 先 is an adverb placed before the verb: 你先去)

Origin & History

The character 先 originally depicted a person walking ahead of others, representing the concept of 'before' or 'first.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal