tiên học lễ, hậu học văn
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
learn manners first, then learn literature
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
learn your manners before you learn anything else; it doesn't matter how smart you are, you have to know your manners first and foremost
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
first and foremost
Most importantly or primarily
English
Near equivalent
trước nhất
(adverb) first of all, first and foremost
Tiếng Việt · via first and foremost
Lighter cards are two steps away in the meaning graph — equivalents of equivalents, reached via the entry shown on the card.
Common questions
What does “tiên học lễ, hậu học văn” mean?
learn manners first, then learn literature
Is “tiên học lễ, hậu học văn” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
What is the closest equivalent?
“first and foremost” (English) — near equivalent.