先 (xiān)
beforehand; first; earlier; at first; originally; for the time being;
- HSK 3.1 level 1
- 6 strokes
Etymology
Depicts a person (人) stepping forward (止) leading the way.
Shuowen Jiezi
《說文》：“先，前進也。从儿，从之。”
Components
- 止 (iconic) — Depicts a foot stepping forward.
- 人 (iconic)