1.
first of all; before anything else; first and foremost
Indicates doing something before anyone or anything else, often implying urgency or strong priority.
真っ先に手を挙げた。
I raised my hand first.
地震のとき、真っ先に家族の安否を確認した。
During the earthquake, the first thing I did was check on my family's safety.
ニュースを聞いて、真っ先に思い浮かんだのは彼の顔だった。
When I heard the news, the first face that came to mind was his.
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."