先[xiān]

副

1. earlier; before sb. else; before doing sth. else; first; in advance

♦ 他比我~到。 He arrived earlier than I did.

♦ 我~说两句。 Let me say a few words first.

2. (used with a negative word “不”, “别”, etc.) for the time being; for the moment

♦ 你~别走, 我有话跟你说。 Don't leave yet, I want to have a word with you.

3. 口 earlier on; before; at first

♦ 你~怎么不告诉我呢？ Why didn't you tell me before?

♦ 他~说不去, 后来却又改变了主意。 At first he refused to go, but later on he changed his mind.

名elder generation; ancestor

♦ 祖先

形deceased; late