B1 Time Expressions 10 min read Easy

First... then... (先...然后/再)

Structure sequences logicially by placing 先 before the first action and 然后 or 再 before the second.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use '先' (first) before the first verb and '然后' (then) or '再' (again/next) before the second verb to show sequence.

  • Place {先|xiān} directly before the first verb: {我先吃饭|wǒ xiān chīfàn}.
  • Use {然后|ránhòu} or {再|zài} to introduce the second action: {然后去睡觉|ránhòu qù shuìjiào}.
  • The subject usually comes before {先|xiān}, but can be omitted if it's the same as the previous clause.
Subject + 先 + Verb 1 + 然后/再 + Verb 2

Overview

Mastering the art of sequencing actions is fundamental to clear communication in any language. In Chinese, simply listing verbs is often insufficient to convey a precise order of events. This is where the pattern involving 先 (xiān, first), 然后 (ránhòu, then/afterwards), and 再 (zài, then/afterwards) becomes indispensable.

This construction provides the structural framework necessary to articulate a chronological or logical progression of actions, transforming disparate verbs into a coherent narrative.

At the B1 level, you are moving beyond basic survival phrases and beginning to express more complex ideas, including multi-step processes or event chains. The 先...然后/再... pattern is a cornerstone for describing routines, giving instructions, narrating past events, and outlining future plans. Its mastery is crucial for achieving greater fluency and for your speech to sound natural and organized, rather than a jumble of unconnected actions.

This pattern doesn't just link actions; it establishes their temporal or conditional relationship, which is a core feature of how Chinese speakers process and convey information.

How This Grammar Works

This grammatical structure functions as a clear temporal and often logical organizer. It systematically arranges actions by explicitly marking the initial step and subsequent steps. The core components—先 (xiān), 然后 (ránhòu), and 再 (zài)—each play a distinct yet complementary role in establishing this sequence.
先 (xiān): The Initiator
先 (xiān) is an adverb meaning 'first' or 'in advance.' Its primary role is to mark the initial action in a sequence. It always precedes the verb or verb phrase it modifies, signifying that this particular action is the starting point. The presence of 先 clearly signals to the listener or reader that a series of events is about to unfold, with the marked action as the first step.
For example, in 我先吃饭 (wǒ xiān chīfàn, I first eat), 先 immediately tells you that eating is the initial action. 先 is highly flexible and can be used to indicate any initial action, whether the overall sequence is happening in the past, present, or future. Its placement is crucial: it must come before the verb, not after it, aligning with Chinese adverbial placement.
然后 (ránhòu): The General Conjunction
然后 (ránhòu) acts as a conjunction meaning 'then' or 'afterwards.' It is the most versatile of the two connectors and simply indicates that the action following it occurs subsequent to the action introduced by 先. It emphasizes chronological succession without necessarily implying a strong causal or conditional link. 然后 can be used to link actions in the past, present, or future, making it suitable for a broad range of contexts.
Consider 我先吃饭，然后看电视 (wǒ xiān chīfàn, ránhòu kàn diànshì, I first eat, then watch TV). Here, 然后 merely states the next step. It's akin to saying 'and then...' in English.
In spoken Chinese, 然后 is frequently used, even multiple times, to string together several actions in a narrative sequence, although stylistic variation might be preferred in formal writing.
再 (zài): The Contingent or Future Conjunction
再 (zài) is an adverb that carries a more specific nuance than 然后. While it can also mean 'then' or 'afterwards' in sequential contexts, it often implies a conditional or future orientation. When 再 is used, it frequently suggests that the second action can only or will only happen after the completion of the first action.
This implies a stronger logical dependency or a planned, often future, progression.
For instance, 你先做完作业，再玩游戏 (nǐ xiān zuò wán zuòyè, zài wán yóuxì, You first finish homework, then play games). Here, 再 clearly indicates that playing games is contingent upon finishing homework. The implication is 'only after finishing homework will you play games.' This makes 再 particularly useful for giving instructions, setting conditions, or outlining future plans where one step is a prerequisite for the next.
Historically, 再 carries the meaning of 'again' or 'once more,' and in this sequential context, it suggests 'once the first action is done, then again (you proceed to the next step).'
The Interplay and Linguistic Principle
The Chinese language often prioritizes the clear articulation of sequence and condition. The 先...然后/再... structure explicitly front-loads the initial action or condition. This aligns with a broader linguistic tendency to present information in a topic-comment structure, where the temporal setting or initial action (先 clause) serves as the topic upon which the subsequent actions comment.
The choice between 然后 and 再 boils down to the nature of the connection you wish to convey: 然后 for simple chronological order, 再 for a stronger sense of conditionality, consequence, or future planning. You can even combine them for longer sequences: 先...然后...再... to indicate a progression where the first step is followed by a general second, and then a contingent third action.

Formation Pattern

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The 先...然后/再... pattern follows a highly consistent and predictable structure, making it relatively straightforward to apply once you understand the placement of each component. The core idea is to embed 先 before the first action and 然后 or 再 before the subsequent action.
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Basic Structure:
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The most common formation can be summarized as:
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Subject + 先 (xiān) + Action 1 (+ Object) [Clause 1], 然后 (ránhòu) / 再 (zài) + Action 2 (+ Object) [Clause 2]
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Subject: This typically begins the sentence. If the subject of Action 2 is the same as Action 1, it is usually omitted in the second clause for conciseness and natural flow.
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先 (xiān): Always precedes the verb or verb phrase of the first action. It functions as an adverbial marker, setting the stage for the initial event.
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Action 1: This is the first verb or verb phrase in your sequence.
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然后 (ránhòu) / 再 (zài): These conjunctions introduce the second action. They typically appear at the beginning of the second clause. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey (simple succession vs. conditional/future succession).
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Action 2: This is the second verb or verb phrase in your sequence.
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Let's illustrate with a simple example:
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我先去超市，然后回家。 (wǒ xiān qù chāoshì, ránhòu huí jiā.)
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Translation: I'll first go to the supermarket, then go home.
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Here, 我 is the subject. 先 precedes 去超市 (go to the supermarket), marking it as Action 1. 然后 connects to 回家 (go home) as Action 2. Notice 我 is omitted before 回家.
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Detailed Component Placement:
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| Component | Description | Example Placement (我先吃饭，然后看电视。) |
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| :------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------- |
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| Subject | The performer of the action(s). | 我 (wǒ) |
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| 先 (xiān) | Adverb, always placed before the verb/action phrase. | 我 先 吃饭 |
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| Action 1 | Verb or verb phrase describing the first event. | 吃饭 (chīfàn, eat food) |
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| Connector | 然后 (ránhòu) or 再 (zài). Placed at the start of Clause 2. | ， 然后 看电视 |
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| Action 2 | Verb or verb phrase describing the subsequent event. | 看电视 (kàn diànshì, watch TV) |
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Variations and Extensions:
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Omitting the Subject: If the subject remains the same for all actions in the sequence, it is standard and more natural to omit it from the second and subsequent clauses.
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她先洗澡，再睡觉。 (tā xiān xǐzǎo, zài shuìjiào.)
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Translation: She first takes a shower, then sleeps.
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Longer Sequences with 然后: For sequences of three or more actions, 然后 can be repeated to link each subsequent step. This is common in casual speech.
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我们先吃饭，然后去公园，然后看电影。 (wǒmen xiān chīfàn, ránhòu qù gōngyuán, ránhòu kàn diànyǐng.)
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Translation: We first eat, then go to the park, then watch a movie.
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Introducing a Final Step with 最后 (zuìhòu): To explicitly mark the very last action in a longer series, you can use 最后 (zuìhòu, finally/lastly). This provides a clear conclusion to the sequence.
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你先写作业，然后吃饭，最后洗碗。 (nǐ xiān xiě zuòyè, ránhòu chīfàn, zuìhòu xǐ wǎn.)
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Translation: You first do homework, then eat, and finally wash the dishes.
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Stylistic Alternatives for 然后 in Writing: While 然后 is perfectly acceptable, in more formal writing or to avoid repetition in extensive narratives, words like 接着 (jiēzhe, subsequently) or 随后 (suíhòu, immediately after) can be used to vary the conjunctions. However, for B1 learners, 然后 remains the primary and most commonly used option.
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Understanding these patterns ensures you construct clear, logical, and grammatically correct sentences when describing ordered actions in Chinese.

When To Use It

The 先...然后/再... pattern is one of the most practical and frequently used structures in Chinese, essential for organizing thoughts and conveying information clearly. You'll find yourself reaching for it in countless daily scenarios, from the mundane to the complex.
1. Giving Instructions and Directions:
This is perhaps the most intuitive application. Whether you're explaining how to assemble furniture, navigate a city, or prepare a dish, this pattern provides a step-by-step guide.
  • Cooking Recipe: 你先切菜，然后烧水，最后下饺子。 (nǐ xiān qiē cài, ránhòu shāoshuǐ, zuìhòu xià jiǎozi.)
Translation: You first cut the vegetables, then boil water, finally put in the dumplings.
  • Directions: 你先往前走，再左转，就能看到图书馆了。 (nǐ xiān wǎng qián zǒu, zài zuǒzhuǎn, jiù néng kàn dào túshūguǎn le.)
Translation: You first walk straight ahead, then turn left, and you'll see the library.
2. Narrating Past Events or Experiences:
When recounting what happened, using this structure adds clarity to the sequence of events, making your story easy to follow. It's crucial for telling personal anecdotes or summarizing reports.
  • Daily Routine (Past): 我昨天先去了健身房，然后吃了午饭。 (wǒ zuótiān xiān qù le jiànshēnfáng, ránhòu chī le wǔfàn.)
Translation: Yesterday I first went to the gym, then ate lunch.
  • Event Summary: 会议先介绍了新项目，然后讨论了预算。 (huìyì xiān jièshào le xīn xiàngmù, ránhòu tǎolùn le yùsuàn.)
Translation: The meeting first introduced the new project, then discussed the budget.
3. Planning Future Activities or Schedules:
For outlining plans, itineraries, or future intentions, 再 is often preferred due to its emphasis on conditional or planned succession, though 然后 is also perfectly acceptable.
  • Weekend Plans: 我们明天先去爬山，再去看电影。 (wǒmen míngtiān xiān qù páshān, zài qù kàn diànyǐng.)
Translation: Tomorrow we'll first go hiking, then go watch a movie.
  • Work Flow: 我先完成这份报告，然后才能开始新的任务。 (wǒ xiān wánchéng zhè fèn bàogào, ránhòu cái néng kāishǐ xīn de rénwù.)
Translation: I first finish this report, only then can I start the new task.
4. Expressing Logical or Conditional Dependence:
再 is particularly effective when the second action is contingent upon the successful completion of the first, or when there's a strong logical connection where the first action enables the second. This highlights causality rather than mere chronological order.
  • Prerequisite: 你先学好基础，再学高级课程。 (nǐ xiān xué hǎo jīchǔ, zài xué gāojí kèchéng.)
Translation: You first learn the basics well, then (and only then) learn advanced courses.
  • Permission/Condition: 你先洗手，再吃点心。 (nǐ xiān xǐshǒu, zài chī diǎnxīn.)
Translation: You first wash your hands, then eat some snacks. (Implying: you can't eat snacks until you wash your hands.)
This pattern allows you to clearly articulate the sequence of actions in a way that is logical and easy for native speakers to understand. It's a fundamental tool for structuring complex thoughts and is integral to natural-sounding Chinese conversation and writing.

Common Mistakes

Even at the B1 level, learners frequently make specific errors when using the 先...然后/再... pattern. These mistakes often stem from direct translation from English or from misunderstanding the subtle nuances between similar-sounding Chinese temporal markers.
1. Incorrect Placement of 先 (xiān):
This is arguably the most common error. In English, 'first' can appear at the end of a clause (

Sequence Structure Table

Step Marker Verb Function
1
先 (xiān)
Verb 1
Start
2
然后 (ránhòu)
Verb 2
Continue
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再 (zài)
Verb 2
Next/Repeat
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最后 (zuìhòu)
Verb 3
Finish
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首先 (shǒuxiān)
Verb 1
Formal Start
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其次 (qícì)
Verb 2
Formal Next

Common Contractions

Full Shortened Usage
先做，然后做
先做，再做
Casual
首先，其次
先，再
Neutral

Meanings

These markers establish a clear chronological order between two or more actions, indicating which happens first and which follows.

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Sequential Order

Indicating a strict chronological sequence of events.

“{先洗手，再吃饭|xiān xǐshǒu, zài chīfàn}”

“{先买票，然后进站|xiān mǎipiào, ránhòu jìnzhàn}”

Reference Table

Reference table for First... then... (先...然后/再)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + 先 + V1 + 然后 + V2
我先洗澡，然后睡觉
Sequential
Subject + 先 + V1 + 再 + V2
先吃饭，再看电视
Negative (First)
Subject + 先 + 不 + V1
先别走，再等一下
Negative (Second)
Subject + 先 + V1 + 然后 + 不 + V2
先去买票，然后不去看了
Question
Subject + 先 + V1 + 还是 + V2?
先吃饭还是先洗澡?
Formal
首先 + V1，其次 + V2
首先登记，其次缴费

Formality Spectrum

Formal
首先进餐，随后出发。

首先进餐，随后出发。 (Daily life)

Neutral
先吃饭，然后走。

先吃饭，然后走。 (Daily life)

Informal
先吃饭，再走。

先吃饭，再走。 (Daily life)

Slang
先吃，然后溜。

先吃，然后溜。 (Daily life)

Sequence Flow

Action Sequence

Start

  • 先 First

Connector

  • 然后 Then
  • 再 Next

End

  • 最后 Finally

Connector Nuance

然后 (ránhòu)
然后去超市 Then go to the supermarket
再 (zài)
再看一遍 Watch again/next

Decision Flow

1

Is it the first action?

YES
Use 先
NO
Use 然后/再
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Examples by Level

1

{我先喝水，然后吃饭|wǒ xiān hēshuǐ, ránhòu chīfàn}

I first drink water, then eat.

2

{先看书，再睡觉|xiān kànshū, zài shuìjiào}

First read a book, then sleep.

3

{先去学校，然后回家|xiān qù xuéxiào, ránhòu huíjiā}

First go to school, then go home.

4

{先买票，再进去|xiān mǎipiào, zài jìnqù}

First buy a ticket, then go in.

1

{你先休息一下，然后再做作业|nǐ xiān xiūxi yīxià, ránhòu zài zuò zuòyè}

You rest for a bit first, then do homework.

2

{我们先去超市，然后去公园|wǒmen xiān qù chāoshì, ránhòu qù gōngyuán}

We first go to the supermarket, then to the park.

3

{先打开电脑，再登录账号|xiān dǎkāi diànnǎo, zài dēnglù zhànghào}

First open the computer, then log in.

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{先洗菜，然后切菜|xiān xǐcài, ránhòu qiēcài}

First wash the vegetables, then cut them.

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{先完成这个项目，然后再考虑下一个|xiān wánchéng zhège xiàngmù, ránhòu zài kǎolǜ xià yīgè}

Finish this project first, then consider the next one.

2

{先了解情况，再做决定|xiān liǎojiě qíngkuàng, zài zuò juédìng}

Understand the situation first, then make a decision.

3

{先坐地铁，然后换乘公交车|xiān zuò dìtiě, ránhòu huànchéng gōngjiāochē}

First take the subway, then transfer to the bus.

4

{先别着急，听我解释|xiān bié zhá zháojí, tīng wǒ jiěshì}

Don't worry first, listen to my explanation.

1

{首先，我们要明确目标；其次，再制定计划|shǒuxiān, wǒmen yào míngquè mùbiāo; qícì, zài zhìdìng jìhuà}

Firstly, we must clarify goals; secondly, then make a plan.

2

{先不论结果如何，过程本身就很重要|xiān bùlùn jiéguǒ rúhé, guòchéng běnshēn jiù hěn zhòngyào}

Regardless of the result, the process itself is important.

3

{先解决核心问题，然后再处理细节|xiān jiějué héxīn wèntí, ránhòu zài chǔlǐ xìjié}

Solve the core problem first, then handle the details.

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{先入为主的观念往往会影响判断|xiān rù wéi zhǔ de guānniàn wǎngwǎng huì yǐngxiǎng pànduàn}

Preconceived notions often affect judgment.

1

{先发制人往往能占据主动权|xiān fā zhì rén wǎngwǎng néng zhànjù zhǔdòngquán}

Striking first often allows one to seize the initiative.

2

{先苦后甜，这是人生的常态|xiān kǔ hòu tián, zhè shì rénshēng de chángtài}

First bitterness, then sweetness; this is the norm of life.

3

{先不论其可行性，单是创意就值得称赞|xiān bùlùn qí kěxíngxìng, dān shì chuàngyì jiù zhídé chēng zhídé zhù jiù zhídé jiù zhí zhídé chēngzàn}

Setting aside its feasibility, the creativity alone is praiseworthy.

4

{先贤的智慧，至今仍有借鉴意义|xiānxián de zhìhuì, zhìjīn réng yǒu jièjiàn yìyì}

The wisdom of the sages still has reference value today.

1

{先礼后兵，这是外交的艺术|xiān lǐ hòu bīng, zhè shì wàijiāo de yìshù}

First courtesy, then force; this is the art of diplomacy.

2

{先兆往往预示着即将到来的变革|xiānzhào wǎngwǎng yùshìzhe jíjiāng dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dàolái dào lái de biàngé}

Omens often herald the coming change.

3

{先发优势在互联网行业尤为明显|xiān fā yōushì zài hùliánwǎng hángyè yóuwéi míngxiǎn}

First-mover advantage is particularly evident in the internet industry.

4

{先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐|xiān tiānxià zhī yōu ér yōu, hòu tiānxià zhī lè ér lè}

Be the first to worry about the world's troubles, and the last to enjoy its pleasures.

Easily Confused

First... then... (先...然后/再) vs 再 vs 又

Both mean 'again', but '再' is for future/sequence, '又' is for past/repetition.

First... then... (先...然后/再) vs 然后 vs 接着

Both mean 'then', but '接着' implies immediate succession.

Common Mistakes

✗

我吃饭先

✓

我先吃饭

先 must precede the verb.
✗

先我吃饭

✓

我先吃饭

Subject comes before 先.
✗

先吃饭，再吃饭

✓

先吃饭，然后做作业

Need different actions.
✗

我先，然后吃饭

✓

我先吃饭，然后喝水

先 needs a verb.
✗

我先去了，然后吃饭

✓

我先去，然后吃饭

Don't over-use past tense markers in the first clause.
✗

先吃饭，再昨天

✓

先吃饭，然后做作业

再 is for sequence, not time nouns.
✗

先再吃饭

✓

先吃饭

Don't stack markers.
✗

先吃饭，再昨天看了电影

✓

先吃饭，然后看了电影

再 is for future/sequence, not past.
✗

先不论，再谈

✓

先不论，再讨论

Need complete verb phrases.
✗

首先，然后

✓

首先，其次

Mixing formal and informal.
✗

先发制人，然后再发制人

✓

先发制人，后发制于人

Idiomatic usage.
✗

先不论其好，再谈其坏

✓

先不论其好坏，再谈其影响

Structure balance.
✗

先之，然后之

✓

先做，然后做

先/然后 are not pronouns.

Sentence Patterns

我先___，然后___。

先___，再___，最后___。

先不论___，再谈___。

先___，后___。

Real World Usage

Texting very common

先吃饭，然后聊。

Job Interviews common

首先介绍一下自己，其次谈谈经验。

Cooking Apps constant

先热油，再放入葱姜。

Travel Directions common

先直走，然后左转。

Social Media common

先点赞，再评论。

Project Management common

先确定需求，然后再开发。

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💡

Subject Placement

You only need to say the subject once at the very beginning of the sentence. It makes you sound more fluent.
⚠️

Don't over-conjugate

Chinese verbs don't change. Don't try to add past tense markers to every verb in the sequence.
🎯

Use '最后' for the end

When you have a long list, end it with '最后' (zuìhòu) to signal the final step.
💬

Politeness

In formal settings, use '首先' and '其次' instead of '先' and '然后' to sound more professional.

Smart Tips

Use '先...再...然后...最后...' to keep your listener engaged.

我吃饭，我洗澡，我睡觉。 → 我先吃饭，再洗澡，最后睡觉。

Swap '先' for '首先' and '然后' for '其次'.

先我们要讨论预算，然后讨论时间。 → 首先我们要讨论预算，其次讨论时间。

Use '先' at the very start of the sentence.

我打算先去买票。 → 先去买票，然后再去吃饭。

Use '然后' instead of '再'.

昨天我先吃饭，再看电影。 → 昨天我先吃饭，然后看了电影。

Pronunciation

xiān

Tone of 先

First tone (high level). Keep it steady.

rán-hòu

Tone of 然后

Second and fourth tones. Rising then falling.

List intonation

先... (pause) 然后... (pause) 最后...

Clear separation of steps.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '先' as a 'Sentry' standing at the door of the first action. '然后' is the 'Road' that connects the first action to the next.

Visual Association

Imagine a train. The engine is '先'. The carriages are the actions. The tracks connecting them are '然后'.

Rhyme

先 is first, the start of the line, 然后 comes next, everything is fine.

Story

Xiao Ming is hungry. He says, 'I will first (先) wash my hands, then (然后) eat noodles, and finally (最后) drink tea.' He follows this sequence every day.

Word Web

先 (xiān)然后 (ránhòu)再 (zài)最后 (zuìhòu)首先 (shǒuxiān)其次 (qícì)

Challenge

Describe your morning routine in 5 steps using '先', '再', and '然后' in under 60 seconds.

Cultural Notes

Used heavily in formal instructions and daily life.

Similar usage, but '再' is often used more frequently in casual speech.

Often influenced by Cantonese structure, but standard Mandarin follows the same rules.

The character '先' (xiān) originally depicted a foot moving forward, signifying 'before' or 'first'.

Conversation Starters

“

你今天打算先做什么？

“

在工作时，你通常先处理什么？

“

你认为先有鸡还是先有蛋？

“

如何评价“先苦后甜”的人生观？

Journal Prompts

Describe your morning routine.
Explain how to make your favorite dish.
Describe a project you completed recently.
Discuss the importance of planning before acting.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

我___洗澡，然后睡觉。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先
先 marks the first action.
Select the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我先吃饭，然后走。
先 must be before the verb.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我先去了，然后吃饭。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我先去，然后吃饭
Avoid past tense in the first clause.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我先洗澡，然后睡觉
Correct word order.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

First buy a ticket, then go in.

Answer starts with: 先买票...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先买票，再进去
Standard sequence.
Match the sequence. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先 -> 然后
Standard pairing.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '先', '再', '最后' to describe a day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先起床，再吃饭，最后工作
Logical sequence.
Choose the formal version. Multiple Choice

Which is formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 首先，其次
Formal discourse markers.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

我___洗澡，然后睡觉。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先
先 marks the first action.
Select the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我先吃饭，然后走。
先 must be before the verb.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

我先去了，然后吃饭。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我先去，然后吃饭
Avoid past tense in the first clause.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

然后 / 睡觉 / 先 / 我 / 洗澡

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我先洗澡，然后睡觉
Correct word order.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

First buy a ticket, then go in.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先买票，再进去
Standard sequence.
Match the sequence. Match Pairs

Match the start and end.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先 -> 然后
Standard pairing.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '先', '再', '最后' to describe a day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先起床，再吃饭，最后工作
Logical sequence.
Choose the formal version. Multiple Choice

Which is formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 首先，其次
Formal discourse markers.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Reorder the words to form a correct sequence. Sentence Reorder

然后 / 我 / 去学校 / 吃饭 / 先

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我先吃饭然后去学校。
Translate 'Check the map first, then go.' Translation

Translate to Chinese:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先看地图，再走。
Match the Chinese sequence marker to its English meaning. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先 : First
Complete the instruction. Fill in the Blank

{___把电脑打开，然后再登录。|___ bǎ diànnǎo dǎkāi, ránhòu zài dēnglù.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先
Which one uses '再' correctly for a future plan? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct future sequence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我先吃饭再看电影。
Fix the word order error. Error Correction

{你喝茶先，我吃饭。|Nǐ hēchá xiān, wǒ chīfàn.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你先喝茶，我吃饭。
Translate 'First scan, then pay.' Translation

Translate to Chinese:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先扫码，再付钱。
Use '然后' to connect the actions. Fill in the Blank

{我们先去看电影，___去喝奶茶。|Wǒmen xiān qù kàn diànyǐng, ___ qù hē nǎichá.}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 然后
Put the vlog steps in order. Sentence Reorder

去旅游 / 先 / 拍视频 / 然后

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 先去旅游然后拍视频。
Select the correct polite invitation. Multiple Choice

How do you say 'You go first'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你先走。

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Yes, but it sounds like you are just starting a list. It's better to pair it.

Mostly yes. It implies a sequence that is yet to happen or is continuing.

Yes, '然后' is very flexible and works for past, present, and future.

'接着' means 'immediately after', while '然后' is just 'then'.

Usually no, it's an adverb for verbs. Use '首先' for nouns/topics.

It's the formal version of '先', used to structure arguments.

No, use '又' for repetition. '再' is for sequence.

Use '最后' (zuìhòu).

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Primero... luego...

Spanish verbs conjugate, Chinese verbs do not.

French high

D'abord... ensuite...

French requires agreement in gender/number.

German high

Zuerst... dann...

German syntax is much more rigid regarding verb placement.

Japanese high

まず...次に...

Japanese particles (wa/ga) are required, which Chinese lacks.

Arabic moderate

أولاً... ثم...

Arabic is written right-to-left and has gendered verbs.

Chinese n/a

先...然后...

No inflection, purely positional.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Sequencing Actions: First... Then... (xiān... ránhòu...)

Learn These First

A1 Requires

Chinese Time Words: Today, Tomorrow, Now

Overview Chinese time words are fundamental grammatical elements that establish the temporal context of an action or sta...

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