How to Say ‘The stuff comes first’ in Traditional Chinese
東西先來
dōng xī xiān lái
[doong-shee shyen lai]
💬 Usage Tip: 東西 (dōng xi) literally reads as "east-west" but means "stuff" or "things". The second syllable is said lightly, without a tone.
Phrase Breakdown
東西
dōng xī
[doong-shee]
things; stuff
A casual, general word for items or things, often used for gifts in daily speech.
你每次來都帶東西，真的太客氣了。
Every time you come, you bring things; you're really too polite.
先
xiān
[shyen]
first; in advance
Indicates doing something first, before another action. Useful in planning or polite requests.
我先訂位，晚一點再確認人數。
I'll make the reservation first, then confirm the number of people later.
來
lái
[lai]
to come
Often used to invite someone to come over, join, or take part in something.
有空可以來我們攤位看看，也歡迎你來聊聊。
If you have time, you can come check out our booth, and you’re also welcome to come chat.
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