先入为主
先入为主 (xiān rù wéi zhǔ) literally means “what enters first becomes master” and expresses “preconceived notions”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving wisdom and learning.
Also searched as: xian ru wei zhu, xian ru wei zhu,先入为主 meaning, 先入为主 in english
Preconceived notions
Pronunciation: xiān rù wéi zhǔ Literal meaning: What enters first becomes master
Origin & Usage
What enters (入) first (先) becomes (为) the master (主). The Book of Han uses it in warning an emperor whose favourites had established themselves in his judgement before any competing account could be heard. The metaphor is territorial — the first occupant holds the ground — and the phrase is always a criticism. It names the specific error of assessing later evidence by whether it fits the first version, rather than assessing the first version at all.
Examples
English: "In negotiations, establishing a strong initial position is crucial."
Chinese: 在谈判中，先入为主的立场至关重要。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about wisdom & learning
反客为主
fǎn kè wéi zhǔ
Seize control
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不由自主
bù yóu zì zhǔ
Involuntarily; can't help but
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入乡随俗
rù xiāng suí sú
Adopt the customs of where you are
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鞭辟入里
biān pì rù lǐ
Penetrating deeply to the essence
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入木三分
rù mù sān fēn
Profoundly penetrating insight
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深入浅出
shēn rù qiǎn chū
Explain profound ideas in simple terms
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先知先觉
xiān zhī xiān jué
Foresight and insight
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未卜先知
wèi bǔ xiān zhī
Foresight or intuition
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 先入为主 mean in English?
先入为主 (xiān rù wéi zhǔ) literally translates to “What enters first becomes master” and is used to express “Preconceived notions”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Wisdom & Learning category.
When is 先入为主 used?
Situation: In negotiations, establishing a strong initial position is crucial.
What is the pinyin for 先入为主?
The pinyin pronunciation for 先入为主 is “xiān rù wéi zhǔ”.