Phrase
first of all
adverb
首先
before anything else
- 1.
before anything else
首先
In use
First of all, let me thank everyone for coming.
You should check your passport first of all before traveling abroad.
First of all, we need to decide on a budget.
First of all, [clause].
用于列举要点或陈述观点时引出第一点，常后接逗号。
First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for coming.
首先，我想感谢每一位的到来。
First of all, [clause]. Second, [clause]. Finally, [clause].
在列举多项内容时，常与second、finally等词连用。
First of all, we need to cut costs. Second, we must improve efficiency. Finally, we should expand our market.
首先，我们需要削减成本。其次，我们必须提高效率。最后，我们应该拓展市场。
Common mistakes
First of all, I didn't like the movie, but after a while I enjoyed it.At first, I didn't like the movie, but after a while I enjoyed it.
中文“首先”有时被误用于表达时间上的“起初”，但英语中“first of all”只用于列举顺序，而时间上的起初应用“at first”。
He called his mother first of all.First of all, he called his mother.
受中文语序影响，学习者常将“first of all”放在句末，但英语中“first of all”通常置于句首或主语后，用于引出第一点。
Connections
Learner notes
Grammar Note
固定习语，语序不可改动；后可接 second、third/finally 等呼应。
Dictionary facts from ECDICT, WIKTIONARY.