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优先 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
优先yōuxiānpriorityHSK 6, vn, rank #5495, Hard
优先yōuxiānto have priorityHSK 6, unknown, rank #5495, Hard
优先yōuxiānto take precedenceHSK 6, unknown, rank #5495, Hard
yōuxiān(you1xian1) T1
  1. 1priority
  2. 2to have priority
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March 24, 2026
优先(優先)yōuxiān(you1xian1)

优先 (yōuxiān) means 'priority' or 'to take precedence'. It is commonly used in contexts where certain tasks, rights, or considerations are given preference over others, such as in scheduling, decision-making, or resource allocation.

Frequency#5495DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, prioritization is often linked to collectivism, where the needs of the group may take precedence over individual desires. Understanding 优先 is essential when discussing community resources or work priorities.

Memory Tip

Think of 优 as 'excellent' (you) and 先 as 'first' (xian). Imagine a VIP line at a concert where only the best (优) get to go in first (先). This helps you remember that 优先 means to have priority.

Meanings of 优先

yōuxiān(you1xian1)
1priority
2to have priority
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 优先

优先Simplified
優先Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#5495Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 优先

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Podcast: 优先

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AI Study Notes for 优先

Quick Contrast

优先 (yōuxiān) vs 首先 (shǒuxiān) — use 优先 when emphasizing priority over others, while 首先 indicates the first in a sequence.

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 优 as 'excellent' (you) and 先 as 'first' (xian). Imagine a VIP line at a concert where only the best (优) get to go in first (先). This helps you remember that 优先 means to have priority.

Usage Notes

Learners often confuse 优先 with 重要 (zhòngyào, important), but while both imply significance, 优先 specifically refers to precedence. It is often used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in business settings. Be careful with the tones to avoid misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 优先 connects with other advanced vocabulary about decision-making and prioritization. Focus on its usage in formal documents and in discussions about time management and organizational strategies.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, prioritization is often linked to collectivism, where the needs of the group may take precedence over individual desires. Understanding 优先 is essential when discussing community resources or work priorities.

Common Mistakes

Learners may mistakenly use 优先 to mean 'important'. For example, saying '这个任务很优先' (This task is very important) is incorrect; it should be '这个任务很重要'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 优先

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Component Characters

优yōuexcellent
HSK 76 strokes亻
View full entry
先xiānearly
HSK 36 strokes儿
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Write 优先

优
先

Practice writing 优先 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 优先

优先 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

如果你决定出售这辆车，给我____购买权好吗？

Will you give me first refusal on the car, if you decide to sell it?

Example Sentences for 优先 (5)

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1
如果你决定出售这辆车，给我优先购买权好吗？

rú guǒ nǐ jué dìng chū shòu zhè liàng chē， ， gěi wǒ yōu xiān gòu mǎi quán hǎo？

Will you give me first refusal on the car, if you decide to sell it?
2
（按照优先次序）写下你想具有的品质。

（ （ àn zhào yōu xiān cì） xù ） xiě xià nǐ xiǎng jù yǒu de。

Write down (in order of priority) the qualities you'd like to have.
3
舒适公寓中的单间，带屋顶阳台，不抽烟的职业人士，女士优先。

shū shì gōng yù zhōng de dān jiān， ， dài wū dǐng yáng， tái ， bù chōu yān de zhí yè， rén shì ， nǚ。

Single room in lovely flat, roof terrace, non-smoking prof., woman pref.
4
在十亿分之一秒内他们完全将生命的优先权和设想做了重新安排.

zài shí yì fēn zhī yī miǎo nèi tā mén wán quán jiāng shēng mìng de yōu xiān quán hé shè xiǎng zuò le zhòng xīn ān pái.

In a nanosecond , they completely reordered the priorities and perspectives of life.
5
他出手了自己1月份根据公司的优先认股方案购买的股票，赚了一大笔钱。

tā chū shǒu le zì jǐ1 1 yuè fèn gēn jù gōng sī de yōu xiān rèn gǔ fāng àn gòu mǎi de gǔ， piào ， zhuàn le yī dà。

He made a huge profit from the sale of shares purchased in January under the company's stock option program.

Cultural Notes for 优先

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, prioritization is often linked to collectivism, where the needs of the group may take precedence over individual desires. Understanding 优先 is essential when discussing community resources or work priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions about 优先

Yes, but it's more frequently used in formal or business contexts.