原先

yuán xiān

HSK 2.0 Level 6 HSK 3.0 Level 6 Noun Uncommon

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Definitions

1. originally
2. original
3. former

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Word relationships

Antonyms

2 items

• 现在 xiàn zài 现在 xiàn zài now Originally vs. now: now
• 后来 hòu lái 后来 hòu lái Former vs. later: Former vs. later

Related words

1 item

• 原本 yuán běn 原本 yuán běn originally Similar meaning of 'original', but 原本 is often used as an adverb: originally

Synonyms

1 item

• 原来 yuán lái 原来 yuán lái original Both can mean 'originally', but 原来 can also indicate realization of a fact: original

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Learners often confuse 原先 and 原来 when expressing a realized truth; use 原来 for 'it turns out that'.

Formality

原先 is neutral in formality and common in both spoken and written Mandarin.

Example Sentences

1 shown

我 原先 不知道这件事。

I didn't know about this matter originally.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 原先

• 先 先 xiān: early
• 原 原 yuán: former