Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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.
Strokes12Frequency#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
12Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#5495Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 优先
Podcast: 优先
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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.
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.
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 优先 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
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.
When to use 优先
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.
优先 or something close to it
优先 (yōuxiān) vs 首先 (shǒuxiān) — use 优先 when emphasizing priority over others, while 首先 indicates the first in a sequence.
What learners get wrong
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'.
Write 优先
优
先
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 优先 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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?
