首先
How to Say
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How to Write
Meaning: First of all
How to Understand
首先
首先 means 'first of all' or 'initially,' and is used to introduce the first point in a sequence of ideas or steps. It helps organize thoughts and is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese.
The character 首 (shǒu) originally meant 'head' or 'front,' while 先 (xiān) means 'before' or 'earlier.' Together, they convey the idea of something coming first in time or order, making 首先 an essential word for structuring arguments or instructions.
首先生效于 formal writing and speech, but it's also widely used in everyday conversation. It can be found in lists, presentations, and even casual discussions. A related expression is 首先要 (shǒuxiān yào), which means 'first of all, it is necessary to...' and is often used in instructional contexts.
Example Sentences
首先，我们要感谢所有参与活动的朋友们。
First of all, we would like to thank all the friends who participated in the event.
首先，你应该检查你的电子邮件是否有新消息。
First of all, you should check your email for new messages.