先

Ideographic: Someone stepping 止 in front of another person 儿Radical: 儿

meaning for 先 xiān:

  • - early
  • - prior
  • - former
  • - in advance
  • - firstfirst (of all)
  • - in the first placeadvanced (technology)
  • - to advanceearly or late
  • - priority
  • - in succession
  • - one after anotherto take the lead
  • - to show initiativeto lead
  • - to be in front
wǒ我
xiān先
hēshuǐ喝水
zài再
chīfàn吃饭
。

I will drink water before eating.

tā他
xiān先
jùjué拒绝
le了
yāoqǐng邀请
，
dàn但
hòulái后来
háishi还是
qù去
le了
。

He initially declined the invitation, but later decided to go.

wǒ我
xiān先
huíjiā回家
，
ránhòu然后
shùnbiàn顺便
mǎicài买菜
。

I'll go home first and then buy some groceries on the way.

wǒ我
xiān先
xǐshǒu洗手
，
ránhòu然后
zài再
kāishǐ开始
chīfàn吃饭
。

I'll wash my hands first, and then start eating.

wǒ我
de的
jiànyì建议
jiùshì就是
xiān先
mànmànlái慢慢来
，
búyào不要
zháojí着急
。

My advice is to take it slow and don't rush.