1.
first of all; before anything else; first and foremost
Indicates doing something before anyone or anything else, often implying urgency or strong priority.
Usage: 真っ先に emphasizes being the very first, often with a sense of eagerness or urgency. It describes both physical actions (running first, raising one's hand first) and mental reactions (thinking of something first).
Common collocations
- 真っ先に駆けつける: to rush over first
- 真っ先に思い浮かぶ: to come to mind first
- 真っ先に手を挙げる: to raise one's hand first
- 真っ先に逃げる: to flee first
Etymology: Intensified form of 先に (before, ahead). The 真っ prefix adds emphasis, meaning "the very first."
Related Words
Synonym:
まず (first of all (general))