sin1先
Jyutpingsin1
Yalesīn
Definition
First; earlier; ahead of others or ahead of other actions.
colloquialtimedaily actions
How it's used
Functions as a versatile marker for sequence, often placed after the verb to indicate that an action should be completed before another. When used to mean earlier than someone else, it typically follows the verb and precedes the comparison target. It carries a sense of priority or prerequisite, making it essential for giving instructions or setting conditions.
Examples
He can only go out to play after he finishes his homework.
Related words
Common mistake
Beginners often confuse it with 頭先, which refers to a specific time in the past. Remember that 先 is a structural adverb for sequence, whereas 頭先 is a noun phrase meaning just now.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
