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
ㅤ。

I will drink water before eating.

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

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

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

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

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

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
ㅤ，
búyào不要
zháojí着急
ㅤ。

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