Mnemonic
Perched on your stool, clutching a cross for luck, you spot the comet before anyone else. You're always first—out there before dawn, before the crowd, before the sky even lights up.
Additional thoughts
Picture yourself alone on a tiny stool in a dark field, cross pressed to your chest, eyes scanning the horizon. The comet rewards your vigilance because you were ahead of everyone. Being before means being first.Quick recall
On a stool with a cross, you spot the comet Before anyone else.Details
The keyword for 先 is before. This kanji conveys the idea of being ahead in time or space, referring to what comes first, what precedes, or what is in front. It can indicate priority, the past (as in what came before), or the future destination one is heading toward. It carries a sense of taking the lead or going ahead of others.
- On'yomi
- せん
- Kun'yomi
- さき、ま.ず