first
first — 名詞
1. the earliest person or thing in a fixed order or series, or the person or thing
第一個
在一系列人或事物中排在最前面的
the earliest person or thing in a fixed order or series, or the person or thing that does something before anyone else does it
Linh was the first to finish the exam and left the room quietly.
Linh 是第一個考完試的人，安靜地離開了教室。
the first + to-infinitive = earliest person to act
This is the first of three novels about a boy who can see ghosts.
這是三部關於一個能看見鬼魂的男孩的小說中的第一部。
The first in the queue waved excitedly when the doors opened.
排隊隊伍中的第一個人看到門開了，興奮地揮手。
Look at the first in line — she has been waiting there since five this morning.
看看隊伍前面那個人——她從今天早上五點就一直在那裡等了。
Yumi was the first in her family to travel to another country.
Yumi 是家裡第一個去國外旅行的人。
- last
the person or thing at the end of the order
文法句型
the first + to-infinitive
the first of + noun phrase
the first in + noun phrase
常見錯誤
2. the person who is most ready to do or say something, especially something that o
最先
最願意承認或做某事的人
the person who is most ready to do or say something, especially something that other people may be unwilling to say or admit
Ilan was the first to admit that his drawings were not very good.
Ilan 是第一個願意承認自己的畫畫得不太好的人。
the first + to-infinitive + that-clause
During the meeting, Zola was the first to agree that costs had to be cut.
在會議中，Zola 是第一個同意必須削減成本的人。
Jessica would be the first to say that learning a new language takes time.
Jessica 會是第一個承認學習新語言需要時間的人。
Would any of you be the first to admit the project was behind schedule?
你們當中有人願意第一個承認這個專案進度落後了嗎？
- quickest
more informal; emphasises speed rather than willingness
- most ready
literal paraphrase; less idiomatic
- last
the person who is least willing or takes the longest
文法句型
the first + to-infinitive + that-clause
用法筆記
Followed by a to-infinitive and often a that-clause, as in 'I'll be the first to admit that…'
常見錯誤
3. the starting point or earliest stage of a situation or activity
最初
事情發生的起點
the starting point or earliest stage of a situation or activity
From the first, Joaquín knew that the project would take many months.
從最初 Joaquín 就知道這個計畫需要好幾個月的時間。
from the first = from the beginning
The team understood from the first that training would be very hard.
團隊從一開始就知道訓練會非常辛苦。
From the first, the new puppy seemed to trust the children completely.
從一開始，那隻新來的小狗就似乎完全信任那些孩子。
Linh said from the first that she wanted to learn both languages.
Linh 從最初就說她想學兩種語言。
- end
the final point of a process
文法句型
from the first
用法筆記
Almost always used in the fixed phrase 'from the first', which means 'from the very beginning'.
常見錯誤
4. a musician or singer who performs the highest or leading part in a group, orches
首席
樂團或合唱團中聲部最高的人
a musician or singer who performs the highest or leading part in a group, orchestra, or choir
Élise played first violin for five years in the city orchestra.
Élise 在市立樂團擔任了五年的首席小提琴手。
first + instrument = lead player
Yan was chosen as first clarinet in the national youth band.
Yan 被選為全國青年樂團的首席單簧管手。
The first trumpet player raised the instrument and blew a loud note.
首席小號手舉起樂器，吹出響亮的一聲。
A good first violinist leads the section and sets the speed for everyone.
一位優秀的首席小提琴手帶領整個聲部，為大家設定演奏速度。
- second
the player of the lower or supporting part
文法句型
first + instrument name
用法筆記
Often combined with the name of the instrument, e.g. 'first violin', 'first trumpet'. 'First violin' can refer to either the instrument part or the person who plays it.
常見錯誤
5. an event or achievement that is completely new because nothing like it happened
創舉
從未發生過的全新事件或成就
an event or achievement that is completely new because nothing like it happened earlier
Walking on the moon was a first that changed how people saw the world.
在月球上行走是一項改變了人類世界觀的創舉。
a first = event never achieved before
For Anna, using a computer at age seventy was a complete first.
對 Anna 來說，七十歲學會使用電腦完全是個創舉。
The company achieved a first by recycling all of its plastic waste.
這家公司實現了一項創舉：回收了所有的塑膠廢料。
Zola's climb of the mountain was a first for a woman from her small town.
Zola 攀登那座山對她家鄉的女性來說是一項創舉。
- novelty
focuses on the quality of being new rather than the event itself
- breakthrough
suggests important progress in a field
- old news
informal phrase for something no longer new or surprising
文法句型
a first
a first for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Used with the indefinite article 'a' (or 'another', 'yet another'). This sense is common in news and achievement contexts.
常見錯誤
6. the top grade of university degree, called a first-class honours degree, given a
一級榮譽
英國大學學位中的最高等級
the top grade of university degree, called a first-class honours degree, given at British universities and a few others around the world
Kabir was proud to graduate with a first in chemistry from Oxford.
Kabir 以牛津大學化學系一級榮譽畢業，感到非常自豪。
a first = first-class honours degree (UK)
Jessica got a first in law and found a job at a large London firm.
Jessica 拿到法律系一級榮譽學位，在倫敦一家大公司找到了工作。
To earn a first in economics, you must score above seventy percent.
要在經濟學拿到一級榮譽，你的成績必須超過七十分。
Otis celebrated getting a first in engineering with his whole family.
Otis 與全家一起慶祝拿到了工程學一級榮譽學位。
- first-class degree
the full form of the term
- top marks
informal and not specific to degree classification
- third
the lowest passing grade in the UK honours system
文法句型
get a first
graduate with a first
a first in + subject
用法筆記
Short for 'first-class honours degree'. Used mainly in British English. In the UK degree classification system, a first is the top grade, above 'upper second' (2:1) and 'lower second' (2:2).
常見錯誤
7. In a car or other vehicle, the lowest gear that provides the strongest pulling p
一檔
車輛最低速、動力最強的檔位
In a car or other vehicle, the lowest gear that provides the strongest pulling power for moving from a stop or traveling up a steep surface.
Rania shifted into first gear as the traffic light turned green.
Rania 看到綠燈亮起，便把車子換到一檔。
shift into first gear
The driver put the car in first and slowly climbed the steep dirt road.
司機打入一檔，慢慢地爬上那條陡峭的泥土路。
put the car in first (gear)
Diya's old car struggled even in first gear when starting on a snowy morning.
Diya 的老車即使在雪地上起步，換到一檔還是很吃力。
You need first gear to pull a heavy trailer up from a complete stop.
你需要用一檔，才能把沉重的拖車從完全靜止的狀態下拉動。
On the mountain road, Gabriel kept the truck in first gear the whole way up.
在爬山路時，Gabriel 一路都讓卡車維持在一檔。
- low gear
broader term that also includes second gear; 'first' is the most specific.
- bottom gear
British English term for the lowest gear.
- top gear
the highest gear, used for maximum speed rather than power.
文法句型
put the car in first
shift into first gear
用法筆記
In informal speech, 'first' alone (without 'gear') is common after 'put the car in' or 'shift into'.
8. In baseball, either the first of four bases that a batter must touch to score, o
一壘
棒球比賽中的第一個壘包或守備位置
In baseball, either the first of four bases that a batter must touch to score, or the position played by the fielder who guards that base.
Xiu hit the ball into left field and sprinted toward first base.
Xiu 把球打向左外野，然後全力衝向一壘。
sprint toward first base
The catcher threw the ball to first base, but the runner was already safe.
捕手把球傳向一壘，但跑者已經安全上壘了。
throw to first base
Manuela plays first base for her high school team and rarely misses a catch.
Manuela 在她的高中校隊擔任守一壘的位置，而且很少漏接。
Brandon reached first base on a walk after four balls outside the strike zone.
Brandon 在四個壞球被保送後，走上一壘。
文法句型
reach first base
play first base
throw to first base
用法筆記
This sense is limited to American English baseball contexts. The term can refer either to the physical base (a white square on the field) or the defensive position (the first baseman).
常見錯誤
first — 形容詞
1. being the earliest, the most important, or the one that comes before all the res
最早；首要
在時間、順序或重要性上排最前
being the earliest, the most important, or the one that comes before all the rest
Bao was the first person to arrive at the party on Saturday.
Bao 是星期六第一個到達派對的人。
pattern: 'first + noun + to-infinitive'
The first chapter of this book tells the story of Feng's childhood.
這本書的第一章講述了 Feng 的童年故事。
Darius won first prize in the school art competition last month.
Darius 上個月在學校美術比賽中贏得第一名。
It was the first time Talia had travelled by herself on a train.
那是 Talia 第一次自己搭火車出門。
文法句型
first + noun
first + noun + to-infinitive
the first time + clause
常見錯誤
2. used for the slowest and strongest gear that gets a car moving from a stop
一檔
車輛最低的前進檔位
used for the slowest and strongest gear that gets a car moving from a stop
Feng shifted the car into first gear and drove up the hill.
Feng 把車換到一檔，然後開上坡去。
collocation: 'first gear' (the lowest gear)
Ayesha's driving teacher showed her how to find first gear.
Ayesha 的教練教她如何找到一檔。
On steep mountain roads drivers stay in first gear for safety.
在陡峭的山路上，駕駛人為了安全會維持在一檔。
Chidi pressed the clutch and moved the stick into first gear.
Chidi 踩下離合器，把排檔桿推到一檔。
- low gear
less specific; can also refer to the lowest gear in a different transmission type
- bottom gear
British English variant
- top gear
the highest forward gear in a vehicle
文法句型
first gear
in first gear
用法筆記
Commonly used without the article: 'in first gear' / 'into first gear'. The noun 'first' on its own can mean the same gear in casual speech ('put it in first').
3. relating to the main melody or leading line in a section of musicians who play t
首席；主奏
樂團中擔任主要聲部的
relating to the main melody or leading line in a section of musicians who play the same type of instrument
Talia played first violin in the school orchestra for three years.
Talia 在學校樂團拉了三年首席小提琴。
pattern: 'first + instrument name' for the main part
The first trumpet in the band sounded the start of the show.
樂團的第一小號手吹響了表演的開場。
Ayesha sings first soprano in her local church choir on Sundays.
Ayesha 每週日在當地教會詩班唱首席女高音。
The conductor asked the first violins to play the passage more softly.
指揮請第一小提琴部把這段演奏得再柔和一些。
- second
the next part below the first in an instrument or voice group
文法句型
first + instrument/voice name
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: here 'first' names a specific musical role or section (first violin, first soprano), not a general order. The plural 'first violins' refers to the group of musicians who play that part.
常見錯誤
4. marking the earliest part or starting point of a series or process
最初；開頭
標示系列或過程起點的
marking the earliest part or starting point of a series or process
The first step in making bread is to mix the flour with water.
做麵包的第一步是把麵粉和水混合。
pattern: 'first step in + [gerund]'
Christopher caught the first train to London early this morning.
Christopher 今天一大早趕上了開往倫敦的第一班火車。
collocation: 'first train'
The first signs of winter were frost on the grass each morning.
冬天的最初跡象是每天早晨草地上的霜。
Baby Darius's first words were 'mama' and 'dada' when he was ten months old.
小 Darius 十個月大時說出了「媽媽」和「爸爸」作為他的第一個詞。
文法句型
first + noun indicating a start
常見錯誤
first — 副詞
1. earlier than any other person or thing in a sequence, situation, or order of imp
先
在時間或順序上比其他人或事物提前
earlier than any other person or thing in a sequence, situation, or order of importance — for example, arriving first at a meeting, doing one task before another, or caring about something above everything else.
Kian arrived first at the restaurant and waited for his friends.
Kian 最先抵達餐廳，然後等待他的朋友們。
position before other people in a sequence
As soon as you arrive home, lock the front door first.
你一到家就要先鎖好大門。
Among all the volunteers, Nila was the one who spoke first.
在所有志工之中，Nila 是第一個發言的人。
The night-shift nurse always checks the emergency room first.
大夜班的護理師總是先檢查急診室。
Mathieu puts his family first, even when work gets busy.
Mathieu 把家人擺在第一位，即使工作很忙也不例外。
- beforehand
sounds more formal and does not imply a sequence with others; e.g. 'prepare the ingredients beforehand'
- ahead
used mainly for spatial or competitive position; e.g. 'she finished ahead of the group'
- last
the opposite end of a sequence; 'he finished last'
文法句型
verb + first
first + verb (in imperative clauses)
用法筆記
Frequently followed by a clause or phrase that states what happens next. Often appears in instructions or lists of steps.
常見錯誤
2. at a time in the past when someone has a particular experience or does something
初次；第一次
從未發生或經歷過的事情首次出現時
at a time in the past when someone has a particular experience or does something that they had never done before — suggesting that later occurrences followed.
Cole first visited Japan when he was twelve years old.
Cole 第一次去日本旅行時才十二歲。
first + verb indicating an initial occurrence
The children first saw snow during their trip to Hokkaido.
那些孩子們在北海道旅行時第一次看到雪。
Yan first tried surfing on a family holiday in Thailand.
Yan 第一次嘗試衝浪是在泰國的家庭假期中。
Esteban first met his wife at a university library in Madrid.
Esteban 是在馬德里的大學圖書館裡第一次遇見他的妻子。
Apinya first heard about the scholarship from her teacher in Bangkok.
Apinya 是在曼谷從老師那裡第一次聽說這個獎學金的。
- initially
more formal and often implies a contrast with a later change; e.g. 'initially, she was nervous'
- originally
focuses on the starting point of a situation that later changed; e.g. 'originally from Taiwan'
文法句型
first + main verb (past tense)
用法筆記
This sense only works when describing a past event. For present or future first-time experiences, use 'for the first time' (e.g. 'I am trying this for the first time').
常見錯誤
3. used at the start of a sentence to introduce the first item in a list of reasons
首先；第一
用於列舉理由、步驟或論點時，引出第一項
used at the start of a sentence to introduce the first item in a list of reasons, arguments, steps, or comments — often followed later by 'second', 'next', or 'finally'.
First, wash your hands with soap and warm water before you start cooking.
首先，在開始烹調前要用肥皂和溫水洗手。
sentence adverb introducing a step in a process
First, the team will check all the equipment for safety problems.
首先，團隊會檢查所有設備是否有安全問題。
First, Beatrix explained the main goal of the research project to the group.
首先，Beatrix 向小組說明了研究計畫的主要目標。
First, you need to fill out this form and hand it to the receptionist.
首先，你要填寫這張表格，然後交給接待人員。
First, let us look at what happened during the early stage of the trial.
首先，我們來看看審判初期發生了什麼事。
- first of all
slightly more emphatic and conversational; 'first of all, let me thank everyone'
- firstly
a more formal alternative; common in academic writing
- lastly
signals the final point in a list
文法句型
First, + sentence
First of all, + sentence
常見錯誤
first — 限定詞 / 序數詞
1. used before a noun to indicate that a person or thing comes before every other s
第一的
在順序或時間上排在最前的
used before a noun to indicate that a person or thing comes before every other similar person or thing in a series, race, list, or period of time.
Lan won first prize in the school writing competition.
Lan 在學校寫作比賽中獲得第一名。
determiner before noun for ranking in a contest
The first snow of winter fell on the hills behind Ishaan's house.
冬天的第一場雪落在 Ishaan 家後面的山丘上。
Brandon caught the first bus to town after finishing his night shift.
Brandon 下班後趕上了進城的第一班公車。
On her first day at the new school, Noor made friends with two girls.
在新學校的第一天，Noor 就和兩個女生交了朋友。
The first chapter of the book tells us where Arjun grew up as a child.
這本書的第一章告訴我們 Arjun 小時候在哪裡長大。
文法句型
[determiner] + first + noun
用法筆記
Always placed before the noun it modifies. The noun can be concrete (first chapter, first bus) or refer to an event or period (first day, first snow).
常見錯誤
2. used before a noun to describe the person or thing that has the highest rank, gr
首要的
最重要或位階最高的
used before a noun to describe the person or thing that has the highest rank, greatest importance, or best quality within a particular group or situation.
Adina made safety the first priority when designing the new playground.
Adina 在設計新遊樂場時，把安全視為首要考量。
first + abstract noun (priority) for top rank
For the head chef Diego, quality was the first concern in every dish.
對主廚 Diego 來說，每道菜的首要考量就是品質。
Brian's first duty as captain was to make sure the team felt welcome.
Brian 擔任隊長的首要職責是讓隊員感到受歡迎。
The first rule of the hiking club is to stay together on the trail.
登山社的首要規則就是一路上都要待在一起。
Nellie's first love was music, even before she learned to read and write.
Nellie 的最愛是音樂，甚至在她學會讀寫之前。
- last
least important in order of priority
- least important
the opposite in rank or significance
文法句型
[determiner] + first + abstract noun
用法筆記
The noun that follows is almost always abstract (priority, concern, duty, rule, love) rather than a concrete object. This sense emphasises rank and importance rather than position in a sequence.
常見錯誤
first — 序數詞
1. used to describe the person or thing that comes before all others when you count
第一
在序列或排名中最前面的
used to describe the person or thing that comes before all others when you count or put things in order, time, or importance.
The first day of spring brings new flowers and warmer weather.
春天的第一天帶來新的花朵和更溫暖的天氣。
ordinal number before a noun: first + day
Elena won first prize in the art competition at her school.
Elena 在學校的藝術比賽中贏得了一等獎。
ordinal in compound noun: first prize
Rafael was the first runner to cross the finish line.
Rafael 是第一個跑過終點線的選手。
The first house on the left belongs to the Chen family.
左邊第一棟房子是陳家的。
Christopher's first job was at a small bookshop in town.
Christopher 的第一份工作是在鎮上的一家小書店。
- last
opposite in position, order, or time
文法句型
first + noun (the first day, a first prize)
2. happening or done before anything else in a sequence of actions or events, often
起初；首先
一系列事件中的第一步
happening or done before anything else in a sequence of actions or events, often to introduce the earliest step in a process.
First, the chef chopped the vegetables; then she heated the oil.
首先，廚師切好蔬菜；然後她加熱了油。
adverbial at start of sentence: First, [clause]
When you bake a cake, first mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.
烤蛋糕時，先把乾性材料放在碗裡拌勻。
Owen turned off the lights first, then locked the front door.
Owen 先把燈關掉，然後鎖上前門。
The teacher explained the rules first, before starting the game.
老師在開始遊戲之前先說明了規則。
- firstly
more formal; used mainly in writing and lists
- to begin with
slightly less direct; common in both speech and writing
- initially
more formal; often implies that something changed later
文法句型
first (,) + clause; clause + first
用法筆記
When used as a sentence adverb at the beginning of a sentence, 'first' is usually followed by a comma.
常見錯誤
3. related to the earliest effort or try at doing something, often before any revis
初次嘗試
第一次做某事的嘗試
related to the earliest effort or try at doing something, often before any revision or second try.
Tuan passed his driving test on the first try.
Tuan 第一次考駕照就通過了。
fixed phrase: on the first try
The first attempt to climb the mountain failed due to heavy snow.
第一次攀登那座山的嘗試因為大雪而失敗了。
first + attempt + to-infinitive
Hui guessed the riddle correctly on the first guess.
Hui 第一次猜就猜對了謎語的答案。
Élise's first attempt at baking bread turned out quite well.
Élise 第一次做麵包，成品相當不錯。
文法句型
on the first + noun (try, attempt, guess)
at first + noun (glance, sight)
用法筆記
Often used in the fixed patterns 'on the first + noun' and 'at first + noun'. Do not confuse with 'at first' (a separate phrase meaning 'in the beginning, before a change').
4. of the highest possible quality or degree; extremely good in its kind, used with
第一等；極佳
品質極好或程度極高的
of the highest possible quality or degree; extremely good in its kind, used with nouns like 'order', 'rank', or 'quality' to show excellence.
The hotel provided service of the first order to all its guests.
這家飯店為所有客人提供一流的服務。
fixed phrase: of the first order
Hui is a researcher of the first rank in the field of genetics.
Hui 是遺傳學領域中第一流的研究人員。
The bakery uses ingredients of the first quality, fresh every morning.
這間麵包店使用的食材品質一流，每天早上都很新鮮。
Rafael proved himself a craftsman of the first skill and care.
Rafael 證明了自己是一位手藝一流、做工講究的工匠。
- first-class
commoner in modern English; works as a compound adjective
- top-notch
informal; very common in everyday speech
- excellent
simpler and more widely used; no fixed phrase needed
文法句型
of the first + noun (order, rank, quality, water)
用法筆記
This sense is restricted to formal fixed expressions like 'of the first order/rank/quality/water'. It is not used freely as a simple adjective (e.g., you cannot say 'a first hotel' to mean 'an excellent hotel').
常見錯誤
5. very early in the morning, soon after waking up or once the new day starts.
一大早
一天中最早的時間
very early in the morning, soon after waking up or once the new day starts.
The train leaves at six in the morning, so we must get up first.
火車早上六點出發，所以我們必須一早起床。
Liam reads the newspaper first thing every morning with his coffee.
Liam 每天早上第一件事就是邊喝咖啡邊看報紙。
fixed phrase: first thing (in the morning)
Tariro will call the office first thing tomorrow to confirm the booking.
Tariro 明天一早會打電話到辦公室確認訂位。
The bakery opens early, and customers arrive first to buy fresh bread.
麵包店很早開門，顧客一大早就來買新鮮麵包。
- early
simpler and broader; does not imply 'earliest possible'
- bright and early
informal, cheerful tone
- last thing
the latest point in the day; opposite fixed phrase
文法句型
first thing (in the morning)
first thing + time (tomorrow, today)
用法筆記
The fixed phrase 'first thing' means 'at the very beginning of the day' and is followed by a time word (e.g., 'first thing Monday', 'first thing tomorrow'). Do not use 'first' alone to mean 'early'; add an explicit time or context.
常見錯誤
6. marking the highest position in a numbered sequence of musical parts or sections
第一聲部
按編號排在第一順位的聲部
marking the highest position in a numbered sequence of musical parts or sections within an instrument or voice group — for example, first violin (as distinct from second violin) or first soprano (as distinct from second soprano).
Reema plays first violin in the city orchestra, a role she treasures.
Reema 在城市樂團中擔任第一小提琴手，這是她珍視的角色。
music: first + instrument (violin)
Aaron sings the first tenor part in the choir at church.
Aaron 在教堂詩班中唱第一男高音聲部。
music: first + voice part (tenor)
The first trumpet player hit every note perfectly during the concert.
第一小號手在音樂會中完美地奏出了每個音符。
Amihan was chosen as first clarinet for the school band competition.
Amihan 被選為學校樂團比賽的第一單簧管手。
文法句型
first + instrument (violin, trumpet, clarinet) / voice part (tenor, soprano)
用法筆記
Distinguish from adj/3 (LEADING PART) and noun/4 (LEAD PLAYER). This ordinal sense focuses on the numbered position of a musical part in a sequence — 'first violin' is part 1 of a numbered pair with 'second violin'. By contrast, adj/3 describes the musical line itself ('the first violin part'), and noun/4 refers to the person who plays that part ('she is first violin').