先

• 拼音: xiān
• 汉字拆解: 先 = 𠂉 (top) + 儿 (legs/person) — a person stepping forward first

含义

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.

例句

1. 你先吃饭，再做作业。
2. 我先去买水。
3. 先听老师说。

用法指南

语境: everyday, instruction

语气: neutral

正确说法

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

错误说法

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

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal