How to Say ‘Let's be clear first’ in Traditional Chinese
先說好
xiān shuō hǎo
[shyen shwaw how]
💬 Usage Tip: [先說好] is a fixed-feeling everyday phrase for [let's be clear first] or [let's agree on this first]. It's not literally about saying something [well].
🇹🇼 In Taiwan: This phrase is common in playful flirting when you want to set a mock condition, like teasingly pretending to negotiate terms. It softens boundaries by making them sound light rather than confrontational.
Phrase Breakdown
先說
xiān shuō
say first; say in advance
Used to introduce something before proceeding.
先說清楚。
Say it clearly first.
Words in this phrase
先
xiān
[shyen]
first; beforehand
Signals setting expectations in advance.
先說好，我聊天可是會越聊越認真。
Let’s be clear first—when I chat, I tend to get more and more serious.
說
shuō
[shwaw]
say; state
Used here for stating something clearly in advance.
我先說好，你如果太會撩，我會害羞。
Let me say this first: if you flirt too well, I’ll get shy.
好
hǎo
[how]
okay; settled
Here it helps mean 'agree beforehand' or 'make it clear in advance'.
先說好，今天如果太開心，你要陪我多聊一杯。
Let’s agree first—if tonight gets too fun, you have to chat with me for one more drink.
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