先
Character Breakdown
Definitions
- early
- prior
- former
- in advance
- first
Example Sentences
你先走吧。
Nǐ xiān zǒu ba
You go first
Words Containing 先
Related Words
Grammar Notes
Appears in these articles
HSK levels
- New HSK exam
- HSK 3
- HSK 2.0
- HSK 3
- HSK Lord study list
- HSK 1 list
先: HSK 3 on both the old and the new exam. See where your old level lands
New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.
On the new HSK 3 exam
Studying for HSK 3? Keep 先 with the rest of your level.
HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.