先に
Meanings
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.
As mentioned earlier, the plan has been changed.
He went home earlier.
first; before (someone/something else); ahead (of)
Indicates doing something before others or ahead of something else; often implies order or priority.
Please go ahead and eat first.
He reached the goal ahead of me.
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.
Please prepare in advance.
You should contact them beforehand before visiting.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉より先に〈動詞〉to do something ahead of someone else
He reached the finish line before his rival.
- 先に〈動詞〉ておくto do something in advance/beforehand
I prepared the materials in advance before the meeting.
- お先にどうぞplease go ahead (of me)
Please go ahead, I'll go later.
- 先に〜、その後で〜to do one thing first, then another afterward
I'll finish my homework first and play games afterward.
Expressions· 8
- 口から先に生まれるto be a chatterbox from birth; to be born talking
- 一足先にahead of others; slightly earlier; before someone else
- 先に立つlead; take the initiative · take precedence; come first · be most essential; be paramount
- 先に通すlet someone go first; let someone pass ahead
- 先に進めるproceed with; continue with; move forward with