adverb
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.
非常ベルが鳴ると、みんな我先に逃げ出した。
When the emergency bell rang, everyone scrambled to get out first.
新製品が並ぶと、客は我先に手を伸ばした。
When the new products were displayed, customers rushed to grab them first.
Nominal form used in phrases like 我先に; the adverbial 我先に is more common in modern Japanese.
Compound of 我 (われ, 'I, self') + 先 (さき, 'ahead, first') + adverbial particle に. Literally 'with oneself first'.