first of all
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- 1 first of all、firstly、first and foremost、before anything else
This adverb marks what should be said or done before anything else. It is used like “first of all” or “first and foremost,” especially when starting an explanation, advice, or a sequence of steps.
first of all、firstly、first and foremost、before anything else
Used to introduce the first thing to mention or do before moving on to other points or actions.
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ก่อนอื่น ล้างมือให้สะอาด kɔ̀ɔn ʉ̀ʉn láaŋmʉʉ hây sà àat First, wash your hands thoroughly. ก่อนอื่น ล้างมือให้สะอาด details
Learning notes
Explanation
ก่อน means “before” or “first,” and อื่น means “other.” Together, ก่อนอื่น works as an adverb meaning “before other things.” It most often comes at the beginning of a sentence and is natural in both speech and writing. It is not especially formal or casual.
Usage
It is common at the start of explanations, presentations, meetings, emails, instructions, advice, and apologies, when you want to introduce the first thing that matters.
Caution
For simple time order, such as “go home first” or “eat first,” ก่อน is usually more natural. ก่อนอื่น is best for introducing the first point or step in a larger sequence.
Differences from similar words
1 first of all synonyms
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ก่อน broadly means “before” or “first” in a time-order sense. ก่อนอื่น is more specifically used to introduce the first point or first action before the rest.
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อันดับแรก means “first” or “in the first place” with a clearer numbered-order feel. ก่อนอื่น sounds more like a natural opener for speech, explanation, or instructions.