xiān

first; in advance; early

HSK 1 #188

Character data

HSK 1
Frequency 188th character
Radical ⼉ (10.4)
Strokes 6
Index # 446

Definitions

先 xiān
  1. 1. first
  2. 2. in advance
  3. 3. early
  4. 4. prior
  5. 5. former

Stroke order

先 stroke order diagram
先 stroke order animation

Words containing 先

Word Meaning
congenital; intrinsic; innateness
to gain the initiative by striking first (idiom); to preempt
take action first to gain the advantage
to take the lead; to show initiative
natural; innate; inborn
the early bird catches the worm; first come, first served
decisive opportunity; key moment
ancestors; previous generations; my late father
lit. first impression is strongest
omen
ahead; in advance; before
pioneer
ancestry; deceased grandfather
to have a prior engagement
to take the lead
foresight
beforehand; first; prior
my late father; deceased father
vanguard
sth advocated first; priority
advance party; advance troops
precondition; prerequisite
joy of first experience (idiom)
a priori (philosophy)
foresight; having foresight; person of foresight