Definition
先于 is a formal verb meaning 'to precede' or 'to come before' in time, order, or rank. It is often used in written or academic Chinese, where it takes an object directly (先于 + noun). Unlike the adverb 先 ('first'), which modifies a verb, 先于 is a transitive verb that establishes a temporal or hierarchical relationship between two entities.
v
to precedeto come before (in time, order, or rank)
Examples
- 先于。Tā de chéngjiù xiān yú le tóngshídài de qítā rén.His achievements preceded those of others in his era.
- 先于。Zhège lǐlùn xiān yú le xiàndài kēxué de fāzhǎn.This theory predates the development of modern science.
- ，先于。Zài lìshǐ shàng, nóngyè xiān yú le gōngyè.In history, agriculture preceded industry.
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