Definition
原先 (yuán xiān) is a noun meaning 'the original (plan/state)' — it refers to the earlier version or condition that has since changed. Unlike 原来 (yuán lái), which can also be an adverb meaning 'actually' or 'originally', 原先 is used as an object (e.g., 按照原先 'according to the original'). Compared to 最初/当初/起初 (all 'at first'), 原先 emphasizes the original plan or state itself, not just the time.
noun
the original stateconditionor planthe former time
Examples
- 原先，。Ànzhào yuán xiān, wǒmen míngtiān chūfā.According to the original plan, we leave tomorrow.
- 原先，。Tā bù tóngyì yuán xiān, tíchū le xīn fāng'àn.He disagreed with the original and proposed a new plan.
- 原先。yuán xiān yǐjīng bèi dàjiā jiēshòu le.The original has been accepted by everyone.
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