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How to Say ‘But first’ in Simplified Chinese

但先

💬 Usage Tip: Combined, [但先] (dàn xiān) sets a condition or order of actions.

🇨🇳 In China: Used in compromises, establishing a sequence in negotiations.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

[dàn]

but first

Used to prioritize one action over others.

Example

但先让我拿遥控器。

But first, let me take the remote control.

[xiān]

first

Indicates precedence.

Example

请先让我用。

Please let me use it first.

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