Japanese word

優先

Pronunciation

Romajiyūsen

Meaning

  • nounpriority

Example

この店ではお客様を優先します。ko no mise de wa o kyaku sama o yū sen shi ma su

This store gives priority to customers.

Illustration for 優先 (priority)

More examples

仕事では速さより正確さを優先します。shi goto de wa haya sa yo ri sei kaku sa o yū sen shi ma su

At work, I prioritize accuracy over speed.

Core concept

Shows that one person or thing is handled before others because it is given greater precedence.

Common phrases

  • 安全を優先an zen o yū sen

    prioritize safety

  • お客様を優先o kyaku sama o yū sen

    prioritize customers

Similar words

優先順位yūsenjuni: The order in which people or things are handled according to their importance.
最優先saiyūsen: The highest level of importance assigned to a person, thing, or task.
優先度yūsendo: The degree of importance assigned to a person, thing, or task.

Definition in Japanese

複数のものの中から、あるものを他より先にすること。fuku sū no mo no no naka ka ra a ru mo no o hoka yo ri saki ni su ru ko to

Word origin

優先 (yūsen, "priority") is a Sino-Japanese compound made from 優 (yū, "superior") and 先 (sen, "ahead"), expressing the idea of putting something ahead of the rest.

Usage tips

  • The verb 優先する (yūsen suru) often appears when people discuss arranging tasks, appointments, or customer requests in everyday conversation.

Opposites

Related words

  • 優先度yūsendoprioritynoun
  • 優先的yūsentekipreferentialna-adjective
  • 最優先saiyūsentop prioritynoun

Word lists with this word