Meaning and Usage
"真っ先" (まっさき) means "the very first" or "foremost" and is used to emphasize that something or someone acts or happens before anything else. It often appears with verbs indicating action or response.
Common Contexts
It is frequently used in situations where priority or urgency is implied, such as emergencies, reporting problems, or adopting new trends.
Collocations and Patterns
- 真っ先に + verb: indicates doing something first or immediately.
- 真っ先に逃げる: to run away first.
- 真っ先に報告する: to report first.
Register and Nuance
This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It adds a sense of priority and immediacy.
Learner Tips
Do not confuse 真っ先 with 真先 (without the small っ), which is incorrect. Also, avoid using it with verbs that do not imply an action or response happening in sequence or priority.