Definition
优先 (yōuxiān) is a verb meaning 'to have priority, to take precedence' — it indicates that something is given special or earlier treatment. It is often used in formal or workplace contexts, such as '优先考虑' (give priority consideration). Unlike 首先 (shǒuxiān 'firstly'), which is an adverb for ordering steps in a sequence, 优先 focuses on relative importance or urgency.
verb
to have priorityto take precedence
Easily confused
- 有限yǒu xiànsound-alikelimited, finite
- 悠闲yōu xiánsound-alikeleisurely; carefree; relaxed
Examples
- 优先。Zhège xiàngmù yīnggāi yōu xiān kǎolǜ.This project should be given priority.
- 优先。Gōngsī yōu xiān jiějué yuángōng de ānquán wèntí.The company prioritizes solving employees' safety issues.
- ，优先。Yùdào jǐnjí qíngkuàng, wǒmen yào yōu xiān chǔlǐ.In an emergency, we need to handle it first.
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