self first; scrambling to be first
Describes acting before others, often in a competitive or selfish rush. Frequently used with verbs like 逃げ出す, 走り出す, or 手を出す.
When the emergency bell rang, everyone scrambled to get out first.
When the new products were displayed, customers rushed to grab them first.
Standard kanji spelling.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling, also common.
Compound of 我 (われ, 'I, self') + 先 (さき, 'ahead, first') + adverbial particle に. Literally 'with oneself first'.