Definition
争先 is a separable verb (离合词) meaning 'to compete to be first' or 'to vie for the lead'. You can insert aspect markers (了, 过) or measure words between 争 and 先, like 争了一次先 or 争过先, to indicate how many times or whether the action has occurred. The verb 争 carries the action, while 先 'first' acts as the result or goal.
v.o.
to vie to be the firstto compete to get ahead
Examples
- 争先，。Dàjiā dōu xiǎng zhēng xiān, shéi yě bú ràng shéi.Everyone wants to be first, and nobody gives way.
- ，。Tā zài sàipǎo zhōng zhēng le yí cì xiān, dé le dì yī míng.He vied to be first in the race and got first place.
- 争先，。Xiǎo háizi zǒng ài zhēng xiān, zuò shénme dōu yào dì yī gè.Children always love to be first; they want to be the first in everything.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.