Pronunciation: [fˈɜːst] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "furst" can be confusing because it is not a commonly used word in English. However, the correct spelling is actually "first." The /f/ sound is represented by the letter "f" and the /ɜː/ sound (similar to the vowel sound in "heard" or "bird") is represented by the letters "ir." The final /st/ sound is represented by the letters "st." Therefore, the IPA transcription of "first" is /fɜːst/.
The word "furst" is derived from the Old High German word "fürst", which originally meant "leader" or "ruler". It is related to the Middle High German word "vürste", which had a similar meaning. The word ultimately comes from the Proto-Germanic root "furstaz", meaning "prince" or "chieftain". It is also related to the Old Norse word "fyrstr" and the Old English word "fyrest". Over time, the term "fürst" became associated specifically with a hereditary noble title denoting a prince or ruler, particularly in Germany and other Germanic-speaking areas.
