How to Say ‘Would like to ask first’ in Traditional Chinese
想先問
xiǎng xiān wèn
[shyahng shyen wun]
💬 Usage Tip: [先] goes before the verb to mean "first": [先問], [先看看], [先確認一下]. It helps make the request sound step-by-step and less abrupt.
Phrase Breakdown
想
xiǎng
[shyahng]
want to; would like to
Used to express a desire or intention to do something.
我想先問餐廳有沒有坡道。
I’d like to ask first whether the restaurant has a ramp.
先
xiān
[shyen]
first; in advance
Used when doing something before other actions.
訂位前我想先問入口是不是無障礙。
Before booking, I want to ask first whether the entrance is accessible.
問
wèn
[wun]
ask
A general verb for asking a question or requesting information.
我想先問走道寬不寬。
I’d like to ask first whether the aisle is wide enough.
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