率先

• Pinyin: shuài xiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 率 = originally a pictograph of a net, extended to mean to lead; 先 = 止 (foot) + 儿 (person), meaning to go before

Meaning

To take the lead; to be the first to do something.

An adverb meaning to be the first or to pioneer an action. Often used in news, official reports, and formal writing to highlight that someone or some entity took initiative before others. More formal than 先 or 首先.

Examples

1. 这家公司率先采用了新的环保技术。 This company was the first to adopt new environmentally friendly technology.
2. 他在比赛中率先冲过了终点线。 He was the first to cross the finish line in the race.
3. 我们学校率先开设了人工智能课程。 Our school was the first to offer an artificial intelligence course.

Usage Guide

Context: news, business, competition

Tone: commendatory

Do Say

• 中国率先在5G技术方面取得了突破。(China took the lead in making breakthroughs in 5G technology.)
• 他率先提出了这个建议。(He was the first to put forward this suggestion.)

Don't Say

• 我率先吃完了午饭。(Don't use 率先 for trivial daily actions — it sounds overly dramatic. Use 先 or 第一个 instead.)

Origin & History

Compound of 率 (to lead) and 先 (first, before), meaning to lead from the front.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal