率先

shuàixiān
adverb HSK 6 #21,588

Meanings

  1. 1 to take the lead; to be the first to
  2. 2 to pioneer

Characters

To lead first - taking the initiative before anyone else.

Examples

HSK 4
Tā shuàixiān wánchéng le rènwu.
He was the first to complete the task.
HSK 5
Zhōngguó shuàixiān kāifā le zhè xiàng jìshù.
China took the lead in developing this technology.
HSK 5
Shuí yuànyì shuàixiān fāyán?
Who is willing to speak first?

Tips

usage
率先 is formal and positive. It implies admirable initiative. For casual 'first,' just use . 率先 appears often in news and official language.

Stroke Order

xiān