先 (xiān): Stroke Order, Meaning & How to Write

Sequence and advance

In words like 首先, 事先, 先前, and 原先, 先 (xiān) marks order or something done beforehand.

HSK 4

Priority and leadership

In words like 优先, 领先, 率先, and 先后, 先 (xiān) indicates being first or ahead of others.

HSK 6

yōu优

xiān先

take precedence; prior

HSK 6

lǐng领

xiān先

(be in the) lead

HSK 3.0 · L6

shuài率

xiān先

first; ahead of others

HSK 3.0 · L5

xiān先

hòu后

early or late

Elder and pioneer

In words like 先生, 祖先, 先锋, and 先进, 先 (xiān) refers to an elder, ancestor, or someone advanced.

HSK 1

xiān先

sheng生

Mr; Sir

HSK 6

zǔ祖

xiān先

ancestors; forefathers

HSK 3.0 · L7-9

xiān先

fēng锋

pioneer

HSK 6

xiān先

jìn进

advanced

先 (xiān): First — Stroke Order & Writing Guide

Animated Stroke Order 先

Stroke Order Diagrams 先

Character Breakdown

Printable Writing Worksheet: 先

How to Use 先

Sequence and advance

HSK Vocabulary: 先

Example Sentences

HSK Level 3

Same Sound

Same Radical

Priority and leadership

Elder and pioneer

Related Characters

HSK Level 3

Same Sound

Same Radical