First off Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

Used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce the first point or reason in a list. It means 'to begin with' or 'the first thing is'.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and common in spoken English. Usually starts a list of explanations or steps. Can be replaced by 'to begin with' or 'first of all'. Avoid in very formal writing.

• Spanish: primero - para empezar
• Portuguese (BR): primeiro - para começar
• Portuguese (PT): primeiro - para começar
• Chinese (Simplified): 首先
• Chinese (Traditional): 首先
• Hindi: सबसे पहले
• Arabic: أولاً
• Bengali: প্রথমেই - শুরুতেই
• Russian: для начала - во-первых
• Japanese: まずは - 最初に
• Vietnamese: trước hết - đầu tiên
• Korean: 먼저 - 우선
• Turkish: öncelikle - ilk olarak
• Urdu: سب سے پہلے
• Indonesian: pertama-tama - pertama sekali

Example Sentences

First off, we need to buy some milk.

basic

First off, I'd like to thank everyone for coming.

basic

First off, let me say this isn't your fault at all.

natural

Okay, first off, why didn't you call me back?

natural

First off, you should know this takes a lot of time.

natural

First off, clean your hands before eating.

basic