B2 noun Formal 1 min read

继而

ji4er2 /tɕi˥˩ əɻ˧˥/
Practice it

Jì'ér is a formal connector used to describe one action following another in a logical sequence.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Used to indicate a sequence of events.
  • More formal than the common word then.
  • Connects two actions occurring in close succession.

1) 概述：继而（jì'ér）在中文书面表达中非常常用，主要用来表示动作的先后承接关系。它强调的是时间上的紧凑性，即前一个动作完成后，紧接着发生了后一个动作。

2) 用法模式：继而通常位于动词或小句之前。它往往与前文提到的动作形成对比或递进，例如“先是……继而……”。这种结构在叙述事件发展过程或逻辑演变时非常有效。

3) 常见语境：该词多出现在新闻报道、学术论文、文学叙事或正式的公文写作中。它能使句子结构更加紧凑，体现出作者严谨的逻辑思维。在口语中，人们更倾向于使用“然后”或“接着”。

4) 近义词辨析：与“然后”相比，“继而”的语体色彩更为正式；与“随即”相比，“继而”更侧重于动作的承接，而“随即”更侧重于时间上的“立刻”或“紧接着”。理解这些细微差别有助于在不同场合精准用词。

Examples

1

他先是犹豫了一下，继而坚定地摇了摇头。

everyday

He hesitated for a moment, then shook his head firmly.

2

公司先是裁减了部门，继而宣布了重组计划。

formal

The company first downsized the department, then announced a restructuring plan.

3

先是冷空气南下，继而带来了大面积降温。

informal

First the cold air moved south, subsequently bringing a large-scale drop in temperature.

4

该理论先是受到质疑，继而得到了实验数据的支持。

academic

The theory was first questioned, and subsequently supported by experimental data.

Common Collocations

先是……继而…… First... then...
继而发生 Subsequently happen
继而采取 Subsequently take (action)

Common Phrases

继而引发

Subsequently trigger

继而展开

Subsequently unfold

继而讨论

Subsequently discuss

Often Confused With

继而 vs 然后

A general-purpose word for 'then'. It is much more common and can be used in almost any situation, regardless of formality.

继而 vs 随即

Means 'immediately' or 'instantly'. It emphasizes the lack of time gap, whereas '继而' just implies the order of events.

Grammar Patterns

先是 [动作1]，继而 [动作2] 继而 + 动词短语 主语 + 继而 + 动词

How to Use It

Usage Notes

Jì'ér is strictly a formal adverb. It is favored in professional writing, news, and literature. Avoid using it in casual spoken Chinese where '然后' is the standard choice.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often use '继而' to mean 'therefore' (consequence), but it only denotes temporal sequence. Do not use it as a causal conjunction. It should not be used in very casual, colloquial speech.

Tips

💡

Use in formal writing

Replace '然后' with '继而' in your essays to elevate the register. It makes your writing sound more professional and academic.

⚠️

Avoid in casual conversation

Do not use '继而' when chatting with friends or family. It sounds unnatural and overly formal for daily life.

🌍

Literary elegance

This word carries a sense of traditional Chinese narrative style. It is frequently found in historical accounts and formal reports.

Word Origin

The character '继' (jì) means to continue or follow, and '而' (ér) is a conjunction. Together, they form a phrase denoting a continuous flow of actions.

Cultural Context

The word reflects the Chinese preference for logical, sequential narrative structures in formal discourse. It is a hallmark of the 'written' style of Chinese (书面语).

Memory Tip

Think of '继' as 'continue' and '而' as 'and'. So, you continue the story and then do the next thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“然后”是通用词，口语和书面语皆可；“继而”则是典型的书面语，多用于正式写作中，显得更文雅、严谨。

可以，但通常用于承接上文，表示对前面所述事件的进一步发展。

它主要表示时间上的承接，虽有时隐含逻辑上的先后，但不能直接作为因果连词使用。

注意语境的匹配，在非常随意的对话中使用“继而”会显得过于生硬。

Test Yourself

fill blank

他先是沉思了片刻，___叹了口气。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 继而

此处表示动作的紧密承接，且语境偏书面，用“继而”最合适。

multiple choice

以下哪个场景最适合使用“继而”？

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 撰写正式工作总结

“继而”适用于正式的叙述语境，如工作总结或报告。

sentence building

（请完成句子）他先是询问了情况，___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 继而提出了解决办法

“继而”后应接动作动词，表示紧接着发生的行为。

Score: /3

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