Definition

1. Particle / Expression:
   • First, first things first: Used to indicate that a specific action should be done or a specific thing should be addressed before anything else. It emphasizes priority and immediate action.

Usage Examples

• Particle:
  • Uống chè cái đã rồi hãy bắt đầu. (Have some tea first, then set about the job.)
  • Nghỉ ngơi cái đã. (Rest first. / Take a break first.)
  • Làm bài tập cái đã, xem phim sau. (Do your homework first, watch the movie later.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in the construction "[Verb/Activity] + cái đã (rồi mới/ rồi hãy + [Next Activity])" to clearly sequence actions.
  • Ăn cái đã rồi tính tiếp. (Let's eat first, then we'll figure out the rest.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trước tiên, Đầu tiên (adv): These are more formal adverbs meaning "firstly" or "first." They structure points rather than urge immediate action.
  • Trước tiên, chúng ta cần xem xét vấn đề. (First, we need to examine the problem.)

Synonyms

• First: before anything else.
• First things first: used to say that important matters should be dealt with before other things.

Related Idioms

• Cứ từ từ đã: A related calming phrase meaning "Take it easy first" or "Hold on a moment."
  • Đừng vội, cứ từ từ đã. (Don't rush, take it easy first.)

1. First, the first thing
   • Uống chè cái đã rồi hãy bắt đầu
     Let's have some tea first, then set about the job