The Chinese word 先 can be translated to “first” or “prior” in English. It is commonly used to indicate priority or precedence in a sequence of events or actions. For example, one might say “先吃饭再看电影”, which means “eat first, then watch the movie”. It can also be used as a polite honorific title when addressing someone older or of higher status, such as “先生” which means “mister” or “sir”.
Translation
Adverb: early, former, first, before
Pronunciation
Example Sentences
| Chinese | Pinyin | Engish |
|---|---|---|
| 我们先去吃饭再去看电影 | wǒmen xiān qù chīfàn zài qù kàn diànyǐng | Let’s eat first before we go watch the movie |
| 你先去等着，我马上就来 | nǐ xiān qù děngzhe, wǒ mǎshàng jiù lái | You go wait first, I’ll be right there |
| 先别着急，慢慢来 | xiān bié zhāojí, màn màn lái | Don’t rush first, take it slow |
| 我先问问老板再给你答复 | wǒ xiān wèn wèn lǎobǎn zài gěi nǐ dáfù | Let me ask the boss first before I give you an answer |
| 你先写完作业再玩电脑游戏 | nǐ xiān xiě wán zuòyè zài wán diànnǎo yóuxì | Finish your homework first before you play computer games |
| 我们先去逛逛商场，看看有什么好东西 | wǒmen xiān qù guàng guàng shāngchǎng, kàn kàn yǒu shénme hǎo dōngxī | Let’s go window shopping first and see if there’s anything good |
| 你先别打扰我，我正在工作 | nǐ xiān bié dǎrǎo wǒ, wǒ zhèngzài gōngzuò | Don’t disturb me first, I’m working |
HSK
先 is part of HSK Level 3 in HSK 2.0. In the newer HSK 3.0 it is part of HSK Level 1.
Learning Card
