原先

• 拼音: yuán xiān
• 汉字拆解: 原 = original; 先 = 土 + 儿, earlier/before

含义

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...').

例句

1. 原先这里是一片农田，现在变成了高楼。
2. 他原先在银行工作，后来转行做了老师。
3. 原先的计划是周末出发，但临时改了。

用法指南

语境: comparison, narrative, explanation

语气: neutral

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

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

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal