Discussion of 首先 [shǒu xiān] first, before all others; first of all, in the first place

Discussion of 首先

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Why are there multiple words for first?

Shīya3

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首先 vs 先

1. 首先 can be used as a conjunction at the beginning of a sentence:
E.g. 首先，我们做个计划。First of all, let's make a plan.
When 首先 is an adverb it appears after the subject before the verb:
E.g. 我们首先发言。We deliver the speech first (before all others).

2. 先 when it is an adverb meaning "first, before"cannot appear at the beginning of a sentence. E.g. 我们先发言。

3. 先 has a whole bunch of other meanings that 首先 does not have.

lisaC

Are there any other words that have a similar meaning to 首先? (shǒu xiān)

个学生

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先 (xiān): This word has a similar meaning to 首先, as it can also mean "first, before all others; first of all, in the first place". It is pronounced "xiān".

最先 (zuì xiān): This word also has a similar meaning to 首先, as it can mean "first, before all others; first of all, in the first place". It is pronounced "zuì xiān".

当老师

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How is 首先 used in a sentence? (shǒu xiān)

个学生

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首先 (shǒu xiān) is used to indicate that something is the first step in a process or the first point to consider. For example, "首先 (shǒu xiān), 我们 (wǒ men) 应该 (yīng gāi) 讨论 (tǎo lùn) 这个 (zhè gè) 问题 (wèn tí)." This sentence means "First of all, we should discuss this issue."

当老师

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Is there a more formal way to say 首先? (shǒu xiān)

个学生

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