1.(before anything or anyone else)首先；最先
Ralph spoke first.拉尔夫首先发言。
I want to get a job, but first I have to pass my exams.我想找份工作, 但得先通过考试。
2.(for the first time)第一次；首次
They first met at university.他们初次见面是在大学里。
3.(referring to what happens in early part of experience)最初；开始
When I first heard the news I was shocked.刚听到这个消息时, 我很震惊。
4.(when listing points)(用于列举条目)第一, 首先
There were several reasons for this. First, inflation was high.这件事有若干原因。第一, 通货膨胀率高。
5.<文>(emphasizing a preference)宁愿；宁可；倒不如
They will not make me betray you. I'll kill myself first.他们没法让我背叛你。我宁可自杀。
6.to come first
(in a race)(比赛、赛跑中)取得第一名
Johnson came first in the one hundred metres.约翰逊在百米赛跑中获得第一名。
(be most important)居于首要地位；占据头等位置
There's no time for boyfriends: my career comes first.我没时间交男朋友：事业为先。