先
before · ahead · previous · future · precedence
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of '之' (advance) and '儿' (person). Going ahead of others.
Symbolism
Leadership, priority, ancestors. Also represents respect for past wisdom.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Looking toward the future
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
先祖伝来
せんぞでんらい
inherited; family (heirloom); ancestral; inherited
祖先崇拝
そせんすうはい
ancestor worship; ancestor worship
率先躬行
そっせんきゅうこう
taking a lead in (doing); setting an example of (doing); taking a lead in (doing)
祖先伝来
そせんでんらい
hereditary; hereditary
舌先三寸
したさきさんずん
eloquence or flattery designed to deceive; eloquence or flattery designed to deceive
先制攻撃
せんせいこうげき
preemptive strike; preemptive attack; first strike; preemptive strike
先手必勝
せんてひっしょう
victory goes to the one who makes the first move; being quick to take action leads to victory; the early bird gets the worm; victory goes to the one who makes the first move
先憂後楽
せんゆうこうらく
worrying before one's people worry, enjoying oneself only after one's people have enjoyed themselves (a precept to be observed by a ruler); worrying before one's people worry, enjoying oneself only after one's people have enjoyed themselves (a precept to be observed by a ruler)
率先垂範
そっせんすいはん
set an example worth following; take the initiative in doing something thereby setting an example for others to follow; set an example worth following
先刻承知
せんこくしょうち
being already (well) aware; being already (well) aware
鼻先思案
はなさきじあん
superficial (shortsighted) way of thinking; half-baked (foolish, ill-advised) idea; superficial (shortsighted) way of thinking
Proverbs & Idioms
先んずれば人を制す
さきんずればひとをせいす
He who strikes first wins
Acting first gives you the advantage