adverb
previously; before; earlier; formerly; recently
Refers to a past point in time relative to now or a reference point; often used with past-tense verbs.
先に述べたように、計画は変更されました。
As mentioned earlier, the plan has been changed.
彼は先に帰
He went home earlier.
adverb
first; before (someone/something else); ahead (of)
Indicates doing something before others or ahead of something else; often implies order or priority.
どうぞお先に食べてください。
Please go ahead and eat first.
彼は私より先にゴールに着いた。
He reached the goal ahead of me.
adverb
beforehand; in advance; ahead of time
Emphasizes doing something in preparation or earlier than necessary; often used with verbs like 準備する, 連絡する, 予約する.
先に準備をしておいてください。
Please prepare in advance.
先に連絡してから訪問したほうがいいですよ。
You should contact them beforehand before visiting.
From 先 (さき, 'ahead, before') + adverbial particle に. The kanji 先 is conventionally associated with 'before' or 'ahead'.