原先

• Pinyin: yuán xiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 原 = original; 先 = 土 + 儿, earlier/before

Meaning

Originally; formerly; at first. Referring to an earlier time or previous state.

Used to contrast past and present situations. Often implies that things have changed since then. Similar to 原来, but 原先 emphasizes the temporal aspect more, while 原来 can also express sudden realization ('so it turns out...').

Examples

1. 原先这里是一片农田，现在变成了高楼。 Originally this was farmland, now it has become tall buildings.
2. 他原先在银行工作，后来转行做了老师。 He originally worked at a bank, then switched careers to become a teacher.
3. 原先的计划是周末出发，但临时改了。 The original plan was to leave on the weekend, but it was changed at the last minute.

Usage Guide

Context: comparison, narrative, explanation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 原先说好的事不能变。(What was originally agreed upon can't be changed.)
• 原先我不喜欢，后来慢慢接受了。(Originally I didn't like it, but I gradually accepted it.)

Don't Say

• 原先你是他！(For sudden realization, use 原来 instead: 原来是你！)

Origin & History

Compound of 原 (original) and 先 (earlier, before). The way things were before.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal