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在先

zàixiān
adverb #33,660

Meanings

  1. 1 beforehand; first; in advance
  2. 2 previously; formerly
  3. 3 (of order/priority) to come first

Examples

HSK 4
他在先就提醒过我们。
Tā zàixiān jiù tíxǐng guò wǒmen.
He had warned us beforehand.
HSK 5
效率在先，质量其次。
Xiàolǜ zàixiān, zhìliàng qícì.
Efficiency comes first, quality second.
HSK 6
话说在先，迟到了不等你。
Huàshuō zàixiān, chídào le bùděng nǐ.
Let me say this beforehand: if you're late, I won't wait.

Tips

usage
Most common in the formula 话说在先 ("let me say this upfront") and the priority pattern "X在先, Y其次" ("X first, Y second"). Slightly bookish - colloquial speech prefers 事先 (in advance) or 先 alone.

Stroke Order

在 zài
先 xiān