Meaning of xiān:
先
beforehand; first; earlier; at first; originally; for the time being; for now
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Wǒmen yīnggāi xiān zuòwán zuòyè.
我们应该先做完作业。
We should finish our homework first.
Wǒmen xiān kàn kàn tiānqì yùbào, ránhòu zài juédìng qù bù qù.
我们先看看天气预报，然后再决定去不去。
Let's first check the weather forecast, and then decide whether to go or not.
Wǒmen xiān chī fàn zài chūmén.
我们先吃饭再出门。
Let us eat first and then go out.
Wǒmen xiān kàn kàn tiānqì yùbào, ránhòu zài juédìng qù bù qù.
我们先看看天气预报，然后再决定去不去。
Let's first check the weather forecast, and then decide whether to go or not.
Wǒmen yīnggāi xiān zuòwán zuòyè.
我们应该先做完作业。
We should finish our homework first.
Xiān shuō qīngchu guīzé, zài kāishǐ bǐsài.
先说清楚规则，再开始比赛。
First explain the rules clearly, then start the match.
Wǒmen xiān xiūxí yīxià, ránhòu jìxù gōngzuò.
我们先休息一下，然后继续工作。
We'll rest for now, then continue working.
Wǒmen yīnggāi xiān zuòwán zuòyè.
我们应该先做完作业。
We should finish our homework first.
Zhè jiàn shì xiān fàng yi fàng, xiàwǔ zài tán.
这件事先放一放，下午再谈。
Set this matter aside for now, and discuss it again this afternoon.
Wǒmen xiān kàn kàn tiānqì yùbào, ránhòu zài juédìng qù bù qù.
我们先看看天气预报，然后再决定去不去。
Let's first check the weather forecast, and then decide whether to go or not.
(prefix) my late (in referring to deceased relatives older than oneself)
Wǒ de xiān fù zài shì shí shì yī wèi jiàoshī.
我的先父在世时是一位教师。
My late father was a teacher when he was alive.
Wǒmen yīnggāi xiān zuòwán zuòyè.
我们应该先做完作业。
We should finish our homework first.
Xiānfù shēngqián hěn xǐhuan zhè tiáo lǎo jiē.
先父生前很喜欢这条老街。
My late father liked this old street very much.
Wǒmen xiān kàn kàn tiānqì yùbào, ránhòu zài juédìng qù bù qù.
我们先看看天气预报，然后再决定去不去。
Let's first check the weather forecast, and then decide whether to go or not.
