"in the first place" in Chinese (Simplified)

• 首先

Definition

用于引出某事最重要的原因，或开始列举观点或理由。

Usage Notes (Chinese (Simplified))

口语和书面语都常用，常放在句首，强调原因或理由的排序。不要和表示时间顺序的'at first'混淆。

Examples

In the first place, we don't have enough money.

**首先**，我们没有足够的钱。

Why didn’t you call me in the first place?

你**一开始**为什么没给我打电话？

I never wanted to go in the first place.

我**一开始**就不想去。

In the first place, I told you this plan wouldn't work.

**首先**，我就跟你说这个计划行不通。

Let’s not forget why we started this in the first place.

别忘了我们**当初**为什么开始做这件事。

If you didn’t want it, why did you buy it in the first place?

如果你不想要，**一开始**为什么买了？