酰
first; before; ancestor; previous; prior
Meanings
6 senses · 11 examplesadverb
first; before; ahead; in advance
Indicates temporal or sequential priority. Often used with '后' (after) to form '先后' (successively).
Please sit down first.
He arrived before me.
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Wash your hands before eating.
noun
ancestor; forefather; forebear
Refers to deceased family members from previous generations. Often used in compounds like '祖先' (ancestor) or '先烈' (martyrs).
We must commemorate the revolutionary martyrs.
Ancestor worship is for remembering those who came before.
adjective
previous; former; prior
Describes something that occurred or existed before the current time. Often used in '先前' (previously) or '事先' (in advance).
This is the issue I mentioned previously.
It's important to make preparations in advance.
noun
deceased person; the late
honorificHonorific title used before the name or title of a deceased person to show respect. E.g., '先父' (my late father), '先师' (my late teacher).
My late father often taught me when he was alive.
This memorial hall was established in memory of my late teacher.
noun
pioneer; vanguard; forerunner
Refers to someone or something that leads the way or comes first. Often used in phrases like '排头兵' (vanguard) or as an adjective meaning 'pioneering'.
They are pioneers in this field.
Dare to be the first in the world (Dare to take the lead).
noun
surname (Xian)
nameA Chinese surname. Relatively uncommon.