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How to Say ‘Tell me first’ in Traditional Chinese

先跟我說

xiān gēn wǒ shuō

[shyen gen waw shwo]

💬 Usage Tip: [先 + 動作] is a very common pattern for "do X first": [先跟我說], [先看一下], [先不要走]. It helps give instructions without sounding too abrupt.

Phrase Breakdown

xiān

[shyen]

first; in advance

Used to indicate doing something before another action.

Example

如果要走高速公路,請先跟我說。

If we're going to take the freeway, please tell me first.

跟我說

gēn wǒ shuō

tell me; say to me

A polite way to ask someone to speak to the speaker.

Example

有事先跟我說。

Tell me first if something comes up.

Words in this phrase

gēn

[gen]

with; to

A preposition meaning to speak to someone or tell someone something.

Example

有意見可以先跟我說。

If you have an opinion, you can tell me first.

[waw]

I; me

The first-person pronoun used to refer to yourself.

Example

你若不放心,可以先跟我說。

If you feel uneasy, you can tell me first.

shuō

[shwo]

say; tell; speak

A verb used when expressing words, telling someone, or speaking.

Example

有事情要先說,大家比較好配合。

If something matters, say it first, and it will be easier for everyone to cooperate.

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