In 15 Seconds
- Used to sequence two actions clearly and logically.
- Place 'xiān' before action one and 'zài' before action two.
- Essential for making plans, giving directions, or setting priorities.
Meaning
This phrase is the ultimate way to set an order for your actions. It tells people you want to finish one thing before moving on to the next.
Key Examples
3 of 6Deciding on dinner plans with a friend
我们先吃饭，再看电影吧。
Let's eat first, then watch a movie.
A boss giving instructions to an assistant
请先打印这份文件，再发给我。
Please print this document first, then send it to me.
Texting a friend who wants to meet up
我先洗澡，再去找你。
I'll shower first, then go find you.
Cultural Background
In Chinese dining, you often '先' (first) order drinks, '再' (then) order food. Similar to mainland China, the structure is used for everything from ordering bubble tea to giving directions.
Keep it simple
Start with two short verbs to practice.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to sequence two actions clearly and logically.
- Place 'xiān' before action one and 'zài' before action two.
- Essential for making plans, giving directions, or setting priorities.
What It Means
Think of 先...再 as your personal logic gate. It helps you organize your life in real-time. It literally means "First [Action A], then [Action B]." It is one of the most useful structures you will ever learn. It creates a clear sequence of events. It shows you have a plan. It keeps things orderly and predictable.
How To Use It
The structure is incredibly simple to master. You place 先 (xiān) before your first verb. Then you place 再 (zài) before your second verb. For example: 先吃饭，再看电影 (First eat, then watch a movie). You don't always need a subject in both parts. If the subject is the same, just say it once at the start. It's like building with LEGO blocks. Just snap the actions into the slots.
When To Use It
Use this when you are making plans with friends. It is perfect for giving instructions to someone. Use it at a restaurant when ordering courses. It works great when you are setting boundaries at work. If someone asks you for a favor, use it to delay them politely. "Let me finish this email first, then I will help." It sounds organized and professional. It also helps in emergencies to stay calm.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for things happening at the same time. If you are eating while watching TV, this is the wrong phrase. Avoid using it for long-term life goals that aren't connected. For example, "First I go to college, then I buy a house" sounds a bit robotic. It is best for immediate, sequential actions. Also, don't over-rely on it in very poetic writing. It is a functional, everyday tool.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often emphasizes process and proper order. Doing things in the "right" sequence shows respect and logic. This phrase reflects a mindset of prioritization. In family settings, elders often use this to teach children patience. "First do homework, then play." It is deeply ingrained in the concept of 'li' (propriety). It's about doing what is necessary before what is desired. Even in modern business, it shows you are a logical thinker.
Common Variations
Sometimes people add 然后 (ránhòu) after 再 for extra emphasis. You might hear 先...然后再.... In very casual speech, people might just say 先... and leave the second part implied. For example, 先吃饭吧 (Let's eat first [and talk later]). Another variation is 先...再说 (xiān... zàishuō). This means "Let's do X first, and we'll deal with the rest later." It's the classic way to procrastinate a difficult conversation!
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, high-frequency collocation. It is safe to use in any social or professional setting to describe intended sequences.
Keep it simple
Start with two short verbs to practice.
Examples
6我们先吃饭，再看电影吧。
Let's eat first, then watch a movie.
A classic way to suggest a sequence for an evening out.
请先打印这份文件，再发给我。
Please print this document first, then send it to me.
Clear, professional sequencing of tasks.
我先洗澡，再去找你。
I'll shower first, then go find you.
Common informal use for personal updates.
你先吃蔬菜，再吃糖。
You eat your vegetables first, then you can have candy.
Using the structure to set a condition or rule.
我们先过生日，别的事以后再说。
Let's celebrate the birthday first; we'll talk about other things later.
Using 'zàishuō' to push a topic into the future.
我先走了，你再休息一会儿。
I'm leaving first, you rest a bit longer.
Shows care by sequencing actions for someone else's comfort.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
我____洗澡，____睡觉。
先 marks the first action, 再 marks the second.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises我____洗澡，____睡觉。
先 marks the first action, 再 marks the second.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, just add '然后' at the end.
Related Phrases
然后
builds onAfterwards
