English–Chinese

“first” in Chinese

Chinese

Also优先 (yōu xiān)

Pronunciation

Pinyinshǒu xiān

Example

首先，我们要确认时间。shǒu xiān wǒ men yào què rèn shí jiān

First, we need to confirm the time.

Illustration for 首先 (first)

How to say “first” in Chinese

“First” in Chinese is 首先 (shǒu xiān).

The front place in an ordered path of actions or ideas.

Full entry for 首先: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 首先

写报告时，首先要说明目的。xiě bào gào shí shǒu xiān yào shuō míng mù dì

When writing a report, first explain its purpose.

Tips for using 首先

  • In a list or explanation, 首先 (shǒuxiān, "first") helps listeners follow the order, especially when later points are marked one by one.

Other Chinese words for “first”

请把这件事优先处理。qǐng bǎ zhè jiàn shì yōu xiān chú lǐ

Please handle this matter first.

“first” in other languages