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B2 noun 13 min read

继而

ji4er2

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 继而 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 继而 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn '然后' (rànhòu) to say 'then.' '继而' is a much more advanced version of this. Imagine you are telling a story. First, you eat breakfast, '然后' (then) you go to school. '继而' is too fancy for this! You don't need to use '继而' yet, but if you see it, just remember it means 'the next thing happened.' It's like a bridge between two actions. For example: 'He smiled, and then (继而) he laughed.' It makes the story sound like a professional book. Don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet, just recognize that it connects two steps in a story or a process. It always comes after a comma.

At A2, you are starting to connect more sentences together. You might know '接着' (jiēzhe) for 'next.' '继而' (jì ér) is very similar but used in writing. If you are reading a short story in Chinese, you might see '继而' when a character changes their mood. For example, 'He was sad, 继而 (subsequently) he felt better.' It helps the writer show that one feeling followed another. In your own writing, if you want to sound a little more formal than using '然后' all the time, you can try to spot where '继而' is used in your textbooks. It's a 'Level 2' way of saying 'and then' that makes your sentences flow more smoothly like a real Chinese author.

At the B1 level, you should begin to distinguish between formal and informal Chinese. '继而' (jì ér) is a formal conjunction. You will see it in news reports or more complex stories. It is used to describe a sequence of events that follow each other naturally. A key pattern for B1 learners to notice is '先是... 继而...' which means 'First it was... and then it became...' This is very common when describing weather or emotions. For example, '先是阴天，继而下雨' (First it was cloudy, then it rained). Using '继而' instead of '然后' shows that you are moving towards an intermediate level of literacy. It's especially useful for writing short essays where you want to show a clear timeline of events.

At the B2 level, where '继而' is officially categorized, you need to use this word accurately in your writing. You should understand the nuance: '继而' implies a logical or chronological continuation within a single scene or process. It is often used to describe the unfolding of a situation. For instance, in a business context: 'The stock price fell, 继而 (subsequently) causing panic among investors.' Notice how '继而' links the two events as part of one continuous narrative. You should also be careful not to confuse it with '进而' (jìn'ér), which means 'to go a step further' in terms of depth or effort. At B2, your goal is to use '继而' to create sophisticated, rhythmic sentences in your formal compositions and presentations.

For C1 learners, '继而' (jì ér) is a tool for stylistic refinement. You should be able to use it to manage the 'tempo' of your prose. In C1 level literature and high-level discourse, '继而' is used to create a sense of inevitable progression or to balance a sentence's rhythm. You might use it in a tripartite structure: '起初... 继而... 最终...' (Initially... subsequently... ultimately...). This creates a very professional and persuasive narrative arc. You should also be sensitive to how '继而' is used in classical-influenced modern prose to give a text a more 'literary' (文雅) feel. At this level, you aren't just using it for meaning, but for the specific formal register it invokes, ensuring your language matches the high-level context of academic or professional environments.

At the C2 level, you should have a complete mastery of '继而' (jì ér) and its place within the broader spectrum of Chinese connectives. You should understand its historical roots—how '继' (to continue) and '而' (conjunction) combine to form a transition that is both temporal and logical. You can use '继而' to navigate complex descriptions of multi-stage phenomena in science, law, or philosophy. Furthermore, a C2 speaker can use '继而' to purposefully manipulate the reader's expectations, using the word to link surprising or contrasting states in a way that feels stylistically deliberate. You should be able to critique the use of '继而' in others' writing, identifying when it is used effectively to create flow and when it might be redundant or stylistically mismatched with the surrounding text.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

继而 in 30 Seconds

A formal conjunction meaning 'subsequently' or 'then'.
Used to link two sequential actions or states in formal writing.
Often paired with words like '先是' (first was) or '起初' (at first).
More literary and rhythmic than the common word '然后'.

The Chinese word 继而 (jì ér) is a sophisticated conjunction primarily used to denote a sequential progression of events or states. In English, it is most closely translated as 'subsequently,' 'then,' or 'afterwards.' While it functions similarly to the common word '然后' (rànhòu), 继而 carries a much more formal and literary tone, making it a staple in written narratives, academic essays, and formal speeches. It suggests a seamless transition where one action naturally follows another, often implying a logical or chronological flow that is tighter than a simple 'and then.'

Grammatical Role: As a conjunction, 继而 connects two clauses or phrases. It cannot stand alone as a sentence and usually appears at the beginning of the second clause to indicate that the action described follows the preceding one.
Temporal Nuance: It often implies a short duration between the first and second event. It is frequently used to describe a change in emotional state or a sequence of physical movements in literature.

先是云层密布，继而大雨倾盆。(First the clouds gathered densely, subsequently a heavy rain poured down.)

In modern usage, you will encounter this word when reading high-level journalism or novels. It provides a rhythmic quality to the sentence, often used in a '先是...继而...最后...' (First... then... finally...) structure to build a narrative arc. Unlike the colloquial '接着' (jiēzhe), which can feel abrupt, 继而 smooths the transition, giving the reader a sense of inevitable progression. It is also common in scientific descriptions to explain a multi-stage process where one reaction triggers the next.

他先是吃了一惊，继而露出了欣慰的笑容。(He was first startled, and then revealed a relieved smile.)

Semantic Components: The character '继' (jì) means to continue or succeed, while '而' (ér) is a classical conjunction used to connect ideas. Together, they literally mean 'continuing and...' which translates to the sequential 'then'.

Furthermore, 继而 is rarely used in casual spoken Mandarin. If you use it while ordering coffee, it might sound overly dramatic or like you are reading from a book. However, in a business presentation or a formal debate, it demonstrates a high level of linguistic proficiency. It helps in organizing complex thoughts into a clear, chronological order, allowing the listener to follow the logic of the speaker's argument or the timeline of a project's development.

经济泡沫破裂，继而引发了全球性的金融危机。(The economic bubble burst, subsequently triggering a global financial crisis.)

观众们先是保持沉默，继而爆发出了雷鸣般的掌声。(The audience first remained silent, then erupted into thunderous applause.)

In summary, 继而 is an essential tool for any student aiming for HSK 5 or 6 (B2/C1 levels). It elevates your writing from basic functional communication to elegant, structured prose. Understanding its placement—following a comma and preceding the second verb or clause—is key to mastering its use. It is the linguistic equivalent of a 'fade-to-next-scene' in a film, ensuring the transition is smooth, professional, and clear.

Mastering 继而 (jì ér) requires understanding its syntactical placement and the context of the actions it links. It almost always follows a comma, acting as a pivot point between two related events. Because it is a formal word, the verbs it connects are often also formal or multi-syllabic. Let's look at the primary patterns and nuances of its application in various sentence structures.

The 'Change of State' Pattern: This is the most common use. It describes a person's reaction or a natural phenomenon changing from one state to another. Example: '她先是愣了一下，继而大笑起来。' (She was first stunned, then started laughing.) Here, '继而' emphasizes the quick transition between shock and laughter.

起初只是微风，继而狂风大作，卷起漫天沙尘。(At first it was just a breeze, then a gale broke out, blowing dust all over the sky.)

When using 继而 in academic writing, it often functions to show cause and effect within a timeline. For instance, in a history paper, one might write about how a policy was implemented and how it subsequently affected the population. It provides a formal 'and then' that suggests the second event was a direct follow-up to the first.

这种病毒首先攻击免疫系统，继而损害呼吸功能。(This virus first attacks the immune system, subsequently damaging respiratory function.)

Sentence Structure Tip: The most effective way to use '继而' is in tandem with '先是' (xiānshì - first was) or '起初' (qǐchū - at the beginning). This creates a 'First... then...' balance that is very pleasing to Chinese ears.

In literature, 继而 is used to pace the story. It allows the author to slow down the action, making each step of a process distinct. For example, describing a sunrise: the light first hits the peaks, subsequently floods the valley, and finally wakes the forest. Each '继而' acts like a camera cut in a film, moving the viewer's eye to the next logical point in the sequence.

他打开了信封，扫视了一眼内容，继而将其撕得粉碎。(He opened the envelope, glanced at the contents, and then tore it into pieces.)

Another nuanced use is in describing societal shifts. When talking about social movements or economic trends, 继而 connects the initial spark to the broader consequence. 'The protest started in the capital, subsequently spreading to every major city.' This use highlights the spread or expansion of an event. It gives the narrative a sense of momentum and scale that simpler conjunctions lack.

新技术的应用提高了生产力，继而改变了人们的生活方式。(The application of new technology increased productivity, subsequently changing people's lifestyles.)

Finally, remember that 继而 is a 'one-way' street. It only moves forward in time. You cannot use it to refer back to a previous event in a flashback. It is strictly for moving the timeline forward, step by step, with a touch of elegance and gravity. By incorporating this word into your vocabulary, you move past the 'survival Chinese' stage and begin to express complex, interconnected ideas with the grace of a native writer.

If you are walking through a busy market in Beijing or chatting with friends in a Shanghai café, you might not hear 继而 (jì ér) very often. However, once you turn on the news, open a literary novel, or attend a university lecture, the word appears everywhere. It is a hallmark of 'Formal Written Chinese' (书面语 - shūmiànyǔ).

TV News and Documentaries: News anchors on CCTV often use '继而' to describe the unfolding of international events. For example, 'The two countries signed a trade agreement, subsequently announcing a joint environmental project.' It sounds authoritative and precise.

火箭顺利升空，继而进入了预定轨道。(The rocket lifted off smoothly, then entered its planned orbit.)

In the world of Chinese literature—from the classics of the early 20th century like Lu Xun to modern web novels—继而 is used to describe the internal emotional shifts of characters. An author might describe a protagonist's face turning pale, subsequently filling with rage. This usage adds a layer of psychological depth, showing the progression of a character's thoughts or feelings in a way that feels more 'written' and deliberate.

雨势减弱，继而天空放晴，出现了一道彩虹。(The rain weakened, then the sky cleared, and a rainbow appeared.)

In professional settings, such as business reports or legal documents, 继而 is used to outline the steps of a procedure or the logical consequences of a breach of contract. A report might state that a company failed to meet its quarterly goals, subsequently leading to a restructuring of the board. Here, the word provides a clear, undeniable link between the event and the outcome, leaving little room for ambiguity.

Academic Lectures: Professors use this word to explain theories. 'First, we observe the phenomenon, subsequently we formulate a hypothesis, and finally we test it.' It organizes the 'flow' of scientific inquiry.

他先是低头沉思，继而在纸上飞快地写了起来。(He first lowered his head in thought, then began writing rapidly on the paper.)

Interestingly, you might also hear 继而 in formal speeches, such as wedding toasts or eulogies, where the speaker wants to impart a sense of gravity and significance to the timeline of a person's life. 'They met in college, subsequently built a life together, and eventually changed the world.' It elevates the story from a simple list of facts to a meaningful narrative. If you are preparing for a Chinese proficiency test like the HSK, paying attention to how this word is used in reading comprehension passages will give you a significant advantage in understanding the structure of the text.

火苗在草丛中蔓延，继而演变成了一场森林大火。(The flames spread through the grass, subsequently developing into a forest fire.)

To conclude, 继而 is the word of the observer and the historian. It is used when one steps back to look at the sequence of events with clarity and purpose. While not a word for the dinner table, it is a word for the podium, the printed page, and the grand narrative of life and history.

While 继而 (jì ér) is a powerful word, its formal nature and specific grammatical requirements make it easy for learners to misuse. Understanding these common pitfalls will help you use the word with the precision of a native speaker.

Mistake 1: Using it in Casual Speech: The most common error is using '继而' in everyday conversation. For example, saying '我喝了水，继而去了厕所' (I drank water, subsequently went to the bathroom) sounds incredibly strange and overly dramatic. In casual speech, always use '然后' (rànhòu) or '接着' (jiēzhe).

❌ Incorrect: 我吃完饭，继而看电视。
✅ Correct: 我吃完饭，然后看电视。(I finished eating, then watched TV.)

Another mistake is confusing 继而 with 进而 (jìn'ér). While they sound similar, their meanings are distinct. 继而 focuses on the temporal sequence (A happened, then B happened), whereas 进而 focuses on a progression in degree or scope (A happened, and further, B happened to a deeper level). Using one for the other can change the logic of your sentence entirely.

❌ Incorrect: 我们应该研究这个问题，继而解决它。
✅ Correct: 我们应该研究这个问题，进而解决它。(We should study this problem, and further, solve it.)

Mistake 2: Incorrect Sentence Placement: '继而' is a conjunction, not an adverb that can be placed anywhere. It must appear at the beginning of the second clause. You cannot place it after the subject in the second clause like you can with some other adverbs.

Wait, there's more! Learners often forget that 继而 requires a preceding action. You cannot start a conversation with '继而...'. It is a bridge that needs two banks to support it. If there is no 'first action' mentioned in the same or immediately preceding sentence, the word has no foundation to stand on.

❌ Incorrect: 继而，他离开了房间。
✅ Correct: 他叹了口气，继而离开了房间。(He sighed, then left the room.)

Finally, avoid using 继而 for simultaneous actions. If two things are happening at the exact same time, use '一边...一边...' or '同时'. 继而 is strictly for sequential events where one finishes (or its start is established) before the next begins. Misusing it for simultaneous events will confuse your audience about the timeline of your story.

❌ Incorrect: 他唱歌，继而跳舞。(Implies he finished singing then started dancing, but if he did both together, this is wrong.)

By being mindful of these distinctions—formality, sequence vs. depth, and grammatical placement—you will avoid the 'clunky' feeling that often accompanies the transition from intermediate to advanced Chinese. Precision is the mark of a master.

In the rich tapestry of Chinese transition words, 继而 (jì ér) shares its territory with several other terms. Choosing the right one depends on the level of formality, the speed of the sequence, and the logical relationship between the actions. Let's compare 继而 with its closest relatives.

继而 vs. 然后 (rànhòu): Then / After that: '然后' is the universal, all-purpose 'then'. It is used in 90% of daily conversations. '继而' is its high-society cousin. Use '然后' for recipes and directions; use '继而' for poetry and profound narratives.
继而 vs. 接着 (jiēzhe): Followed by / Next: '接着' implies an immediate, almost physical connection between the two actions. It is less formal than '继而' but more immediate than '然后'. If someone stops talking and then 'continues', you use '接着'.

他放下了书，接着关上了灯。(He put down the book, then [immediately] turned off the light.) - Relatively informal/neutral.

Another important comparison is with 随后 (suíhòu). '随后' means 'soon after' and is often used in news reporting. While '继而' emphasizes the flow and connection of the sequence, '随后' emphasizes the time gap (or lack thereof). '随后' can also be used as an adverb at the end of a sentence (e.g., '我随后就到' - I'll be there shortly), which '继而' cannot do.

警察封锁了现场，随后救护车赶到了。(The police cordoned off the scene, soon after the ambulance arrived.)

继而 vs. 进而 (jìn'ér): And then / Further: As mentioned in common mistakes, '进而' is about progression in scope or intensity. If you are 'leveling up' an action, use '进而'. If you are just 'stepping to the next action' in time, use '继而'.

Lastly, consider 于是 (yúshì). '于是' is often translated as 'so' or 'thereupon'. It implies a strong causal link—the second action happened because of the first. '继而' is more about the temporal order and less about the 'why'. If the second action is a reaction to the first, '于是' is often a better choice.

他看到天要下雨，于是带上了伞。(He saw it was going to rain, so he brought an umbrella.) - Causal.

By understanding these subtle differences, you can choose the exact word that fits the 'vibe' of your sentence. '继而' is your choice for elegance, '然后' for clarity, '接着' for speed, '随后' for news-like timing, and '进而' for logical progression. Mastering this family of words is like having a full set of brushes for painting a narrative.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Classical Chinese, '而' was one of the most versatile particles, able to mean 'and', 'but', 'if', or 'then'. In '继而', it retains its function as a sequential connector.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒiː ɜːr/

US /dʒi ər/

The stress is slightly more prominent on the first syllable 'jì'.

Rhymes With

细而 (xì ér) 进而 (jìn ér) 然而 (rán ér) 因而 (yīn ér) 反而 (fǎn ér) 幸而 (xìng ér) 旋而 (xuán ér) 既而 (jì ér - homophone)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ji' like 'gee' in 'geese' but without the sharp falling tone.
Confusing the 2nd tone of 'er' with the 3rd tone.
Failing to link the two syllables smoothly, making it sound like two separate words.
Pronouncing 'er' as 'arr' instead of the neutral schwa-like 'er' sound.
Using the wrong tone for 'ji' (e.g., 1st tone 'jī').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in written texts, but requires understanding of formal sentence structures.

Writing 5/5

Hard to use naturally without sounding overly stiff if context is wrong.

Speaking 6/5

Rarely spoken; using it correctly in speech marks a very advanced learner.

Listening 3/5

Easy to recognize once you know the meaning and tone.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

然后接着继续随后首先

Learn Next

进而由此从而进而以此

Advanced

尔后既而旋而遂

Grammar to Know

Sequential Conjunctions

Using '继而' to show temporal order between clauses.

Formal vs. Informal Transitions

Contrasting '然后' (informal) with '继而' (formal).

The 'First... Then...' Structure

Using '先是... 继而...' for rhythmic balance.

Clausal Connection with Comma

Always placing a comma before '继而' to separate actions.

Avoiding Subject Redundancy

Often the subject of the first clause is implied for the second clause after '继而'.

Examples by Level

他先看书，继而睡觉。

He first read a book, then slept.

Simple sequence of two actions.

天空先是黑了，继而下雨了。

The sky first turned dark, then it rained.

Describing a change in weather.

她先是笑，继而哭了。

She first laughed, then cried.

A change in emotional state.

小猫先是跑，继而停了下来。

The kitten first ran, then stopped.

Simple physical movement sequence.

老师先说话，继而让我们写字。

The teacher first spoke, then asked us to write.

Instructional sequence.

门先是开了，继而走进来一个人。

The door first opened, then a person walked in.

Sequence of events in a scene.

灯先是闪了一下，继而灭了。

The light first flickered, then went out.

Describing a mechanical sequence.

他先喝了水，继而放下了杯子。

He first drank water, then put down the cup.

Basic action sequence.

起初他很担心，继而感到很轻松。

At first he was worried, then he felt very relaxed.

Using '起初' with '继而' to show change.

太阳升起来了，继而照亮了大地。

The sun rose, and then it lit up the earth.

Formal description of nature.

他打开了电脑，继而开始工作。

He turned on the computer, then started working.

Sequence of professional tasks.

大家先是保持安静，继而大声欢呼。

Everyone was quiet at first, then cheered loudly.

Group reaction sequence.

雨停了，继而太阳出来了。

The rain stopped, then the sun came out.

Sequential natural events.

他先是点点头，继而又摇了摇头。

He first nodded, then shook his head again.

Sequence of gestures.

她先是吃了一惊，继而笑了起来。

She was first surprised, then started laughing.

Common literary emotional shift.

火苗先是小小的一点，继而烧遍了全身。

The flame was first a small point, then it spread everywhere.

Describing the spread of something.

这种产品首先在城市流行，继而推广到农村。

This product first became popular in cities, then spread to the countryside.

Describing the spread of a trend.

他先是感到愤怒，继而转为无奈。

He first felt angry, then it turned into helplessness.

Nuanced emotional transition.

演出结束了，继而观众们纷纷离场。

The performance ended, and then the audience left one after another.

Formal description of a scene ending.

经济危机爆发，继而导致了失业率上升。

The economic crisis broke out, subsequently leading to a rise in unemployment.

Cause and effect in a timeline.

他先是仔细观察，继而写下了实验报告。

He first observed carefully, then wrote the experiment report.

Formal sequence of scientific work.

消息传开了，继而引起了广泛的讨论。

The news spread, subsequently causing widespread discussion.

Describing social consequences.

他先是尝试修理，继而决定买个新的。

He first tried to repair it, then decided to buy a new one.

Decision-making sequence.

雨势减小了，继而完全停了下来。

The rain slowed down, then stopped completely.

Process of gradual change.

这种思想先是在学术界引起轰动，继而影响了整个社会。

This idea first caused a sensation in academia, subsequently influencing the whole of society.

Formal description of intellectual influence.

他先是沉默不语，继而发出了一连串的质问。

He was first silent, and then launched a series of questions.

Dramatic transition in dialogue.

公司陷入了财务困境，继而宣布破产。

The company fell into financial difficulty, subsequently declaring bankruptcy.

Professional/business sequence.

先是几声惊雷，继而大雨如注，整个城市笼罩在水雾中。

First a few claps of thunder, then heavy rain poured down, and the whole city was shrouded in mist.

Descriptive literary style.

他扫视了一下全场，继而开始了他的精彩演讲。

He scanned the audience, then began his brilliant speech.

Formal narrative sequence.

战争爆发了，继而引发了大规模的难民潮。

War broke out, subsequently triggering a massive tide of refugees.

Historical/societal sequence.

他先是犹豫了一下，继而坚定地签下了名字。

He first hesitated for a moment, then firmly signed his name.

Psychological narrative flow.

新政策实施后，先是引起了争议，继而逐渐得到了认可。

After the new policy was implemented, it first caused controversy, and then gradually gained acceptance.

Describing a process of social change.

该学说先是在欧洲盛行，继而传入亚洲，产生了深远的影响。

The doctrine first prevailed in Europe, subsequently spread to Asia, and had a profound impact.

Complex historical narrative.

他那原本平静的脸庞先是掠过一丝阴霾，继而变得扭曲狰狞。

A shadow first flickered across his originally calm face, and then it became distorted and hideous.

High-level literary description.

由于管理不善，企业先是人才流失，继而资金链断裂。

Due to poor management, the enterprise first lost talent, subsequently suffered a break in the capital chain.

Formal analysis of business failure.

作者先是铺陈了背景，继而展开了激烈的矛盾冲突。

The author first laid out the background, then unfolded the intense conflict.

Literary criticism/analysis.

那种病毒首先变异，继而逃避了免疫系统的追踪。

The virus first mutated, subsequently evading the surveillance of the immune system.

Scientific process description.

他的作品先是被大众误解，继而获得了国际大奖。

His work was first misunderstood by the public, then won an international award.

Describing a reversal of fortune.

先是局部的冲突，继而演变成了全面的内战。

First local conflicts, then developed into a full-scale civil war.

Political/historical sequence.

他先是自嘲地笑了笑，继而陷入了长久的深思。

He first gave a self-deprecating smile, then fell into a long, deep thought.

Introspective narrative flow.

此番变革，先是触动了既得利益集团，继而引发了深刻的社会动荡。

This reform first touched the vested interest groups, subsequently triggering profound social unrest.

Sophisticated political commentary.

琴声起初如细水长流，继而如万马奔腾，气势磅礴。

The sound of the zither was at first like a trickling stream, then like ten thousand horses galloping, magnificent in momentum.

Highly metaphorical literary prose.

这种审美倾向先是在精英阶层萌芽，继而渗透到大众文化之中。

This aesthetic tendency first budded among the elite class, subsequently penetrating into mass culture.

Sociological/cultural analysis.

他在辩论中先是步步为营，继而发起了总攻，令对手无话可说。

In the debate, he first proceeded cautiously, then launched a general offensive, leaving his opponent speechless.

Strategic narrative description.

先是制度的僵化，继而导致了整个官僚体系的腐败与垮台。

First the ossification of the system, subsequently leading to the corruption and collapse of the entire bureaucratic apparatus.

Historical/philosophical causality.

那股寒流先是席卷了北方，继而南下，让全国进入了严冬。

That cold wave first swept through the north, subsequently moved south, bringing the whole country into a harsh winter.

Grand-scale natural phenomenon.

他先是试图通过法律途径解决，继而诉诸媒体，寻求公众支持。

He first tried to resolve it through legal channels, then resorted to the media to seek public support.

Complex action strategy.

文章的基调先是忧伤，继而转为激昂，最后充满了希望。

The tone of the article was first sad, then turned passionate, and finally full of hope.

Analysis of literary structure.

Common Collocations

先是...继而...

起初...继而...

继而引发

继而导致

继而发现

继而宣布

继而产生

继而扩大

继而消失

继而转为

Common Phrases

继而动之

— To act subsequently. Used to describe taking action after a period of observation.

观察局势，继而动之。

继而为之

— To do something following a previous action. Often used in formal planning.

先定大计，继而为之。

继而有之

— Subsequently there was/were. Used to list subsequent occurrences.

先有一人，继而有之众。

继而推之

— To infer subsequently. Used in logical reasoning.

由点及面，继而推之。

继而论之

— To discuss subsequently. Used in academic papers to move to the next point.

前文已述，继而论之。

继而求之

— To seek subsequently. Used when describing a progression of desires.

先求生存，继而求发展。

继而观之

— To observe subsequently. Used to suggest waiting to see what happens next.

静待其变，继而观之。

继而行之

— To implement subsequently. Used in administrative contexts.

批准方案，继而行之。

继而思之

— To think about it subsequently. Used when one reflects after an event.

事发突然，继而思之，颇有蹊跷。

继而见之

— To see subsequently. Used in descriptive writing.

闻其声，继而见之其人。

Often Confused With

继而 vs 进而

Focuses on progression in depth/scope, while '继而' focuses on temporal sequence.

继而 vs 既而

A more archaic/classical word meaning 'soon after' or 'after a short while'.

继而 vs 然而

Means 'however' or 'but', showing contrast rather than sequence.

Idioms & Expressions

"相继而来"

— To come one after another. Used for people or events arriving in sequence.

客人们相继而来，客厅里热闹极了。

Neutral

"继往开来"

— To carry forward the cause and forge ahead into the future. A very positive political/social idiom.

我们要继往开来，创造新的辉煌。

Formal

"前仆后继"

— One falls, the next follows. Used to describe heroic sacrifice and persistence.

战士们前仆后继，终于赢得了胜利。

Literary/Heroic

"难以为继"

— Difficult to continue. Used for financial or physical exhaustion.

由于资金短缺，项目难以为继。

Formal

"焚膏继晷"

— To burn the oil to prolong the daylight. Means to work or study extremely hard day and night.

他为了准备考试，整天焚膏继晷。

Literary

"后继有人"

— To have qualified successors. Used for families or noble causes.

看到年轻人这么努力，我们感到后继有人。

Neutral/Positive

"继之以死"

— To follow something up with death. (Extreme literary usage).

他尽忠职守，继之以死。

Archaic/Literary

"绳其祖武"

— To follow in the footsteps of one's ancestors. (Related to the 'jì' concept of following).

他绳其祖武，也成了一名优秀的医生。

Archaic

"子承父业"

— The son carries on the father's business/legacy.

他子承父业，把工厂管理得很好。

Neutral

"继绝兴灭"

— To restore broken lines of succession and revive perished states.

这种文化研究旨在继绝兴灭。

Academic/Archaic

Easily Confused

继而 vs 进而

Similar pronunciation and both are formal conjunctions.

'继而' is purely about the order of events in time. '进而' implies that the second action is a step forward or an improvement upon the first.

他先学会了走路，继而学会了跑步。 (Sequence) / 我们应该深入研究，进而提出方案。 (Progression)

继而 vs 然后

They share the same basic meaning of 'then'.

'然后' is colloquial and broad; '继而' is literary and specific to continuous narratives.

我喝咖啡，然后去上班。 (Informal) / 晨曦初露，继而万物苏醒。 (Formal)

继而 vs 随后

Both mean 'afterward' in a formal context.

'随后' can be an adverb meaning 'soon'; '继而' is strictly a conjunction connecting two clauses.

他随后就到。 (Adverb usage - '继而' cannot do this).

继而 vs 既而

Homophones in some dialects and very similar meaning.

'既而' is much more common in classical texts (文言文) and implies 'after a short duration'. '继而' is the standard modern formal choice.

既而，雨停了。 (Archaic style).

继而 vs 接着

Both indicate one thing following another.

'接着' focuses on the lack of interruption; '继而' focuses on the elegant flow of the narrative.

你接着说。 (Continue speaking - '继而' cannot be used as a command).

Sentence Patterns

A，继而 B

他叹了口气，继而低下了头。

先是 A，继而 B

先是闪电，继而雷鸣。

起初 A，继而 B，最终 C

起初是小雨，继而转大，最终演变成了暴雨。

A 引起了 B，继而引发了 C

干旱引起了歉收，继而引发了粮价上涨。

首先 A，继而 B

首先进行调研，继而制定计划。

不仅 A，继而还 B

他不仅完成了任务，继而还提出了更好的建议。

A 消失了，继而 B 出现了

雾气消失了，继而远处的山峰出现了。

A 之势渐衰，继而 B 之态初显

旧势力之势渐衰，继而新思想之态初显。

Word Family

Verbs

继承 (jìchéng) - to inherit

继续 (jìxù) - to continue

接继 (jiējì) - to follow/connect

后续 (hòuxù) - follow-up

连续 (liánxù) - continuous

延续 (yánxù) - to extend

接替 (jiētì) - to replace/take over

后继 (hòujì) - successor

How to Use It

frequency

Common in literature, news, and academic writing; rare in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '继而' instead of '然后' in casual conversation. → 我吃完饭然后去散步。
'继而' is too formal for talking about daily chores with friends.
Confusing '继而' with '进而'. → 我们应该先调查，进而解决问题。(If focusing on progress).
'继而' is for time sequence; '进而' is for increasing depth or scope.
Starting a sentence with '继而' without a comma or prior context. → 他先是拒绝了，继而又同意了。
'继而' needs a preceding clause to 'continue' from.
Using '继而' for simultaneous actions. → 他一边唱歌，一边跳舞。
'继而' implies one action finished (or started) and then the next one began.
Putting '继而' after the subject in the second clause. → 他先是犹豫，继而他决定了。 (Incorrect placement)
'继而' should come at the very beginning of the second clause: '他先是犹豫，继而决定了。'

Tips

Placement is Key

Always place '继而' after a comma. It links the second action to the first one mentioned in the sentence.

The Power of Pairs

Pair '继而' with '先是' (xiānshì) to create a sophisticated comparison of two sequential states.

Don't Overuse

Because it's formal, using '继而' too much in one paragraph can make your writing feel stiff. Mix it with '随后' or '接着'.

Professionalism

Use '继而' in your HSK essays to impress the graders with your command of formal transition words.

Sequence vs. Depth

If the second action is an improvement or deeper step, use '进而'. If it's just the next thing that happened, use '继而'.

Rhythm

Chinese is a rhythmic language. '继而' (two syllables) often sounds better than '然后' when connecting other two-syllable verbs.

Spotting Patterns

When reading, look for '继而' to identify the turning point or the next phase of a narrative or argument.

The 'Continue' Connection

Relate '继' to '继续' (continue). It literally means 'continue and [then]'.

Save for Speeches

If you are giving a presentation in Chinese, '继而' is a great way to move between your points professionally.

Anticipate the Next

In news broadcasts, '继而' usually precedes a consequence or a secondary event.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '继' as a 'Jigsaw' piece that 'Joins' the next part, and '而' as the 'Ear' that listens for what comes next. Jigsaw + Ear = 继而 (Subsequently).

Visual Association

Imagine a relay race where one runner hands off a baton to the next. The hand-off point is '继而'.

Word Web

继而然后接着随后进而继承继续连续

Challenge

Try to write a three-sentence story using '先是', '继而', and '最后'. For example: '先是乌云密布，继而狂风大作，最后下起了倾盆大雨。'

Word Origin

The word is composed of two characters from Classical Chinese. '继' (jì) originally depicted the process of tying silk threads together to make them longer, hence meaning 'to continue.' '而' (ér) was originally a pictograph of a beard, but evolved early on into a grammatical particle used to connect verbs or clauses.

Original meaning: To continue and then...

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, formal grammatical term.

English speakers often over-rely on 'and then'. Learning '继而' helps them mimic the more varied transition vocabulary of educated Chinese speakers.

Often found in the works of Lu Xun (鲁迅) to describe sharp shifts in social atmosphere. Commonly used in CCTV's 'News Broadcast' (新闻联播) to link diplomatic events. Used in traditional storytelling (评书) to move the plot forward.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Literature/Storytelling

他先是吃惊，继而微笑。
乌云密布，继而大雨。
他沉默了，继而叹气。
灯灭了，继而一片漆黑。

News/Journalism

危机爆发，继而波及全球。
双方签约，继而开展合作。
示威开始，继而发生冲突。
股市下跌，继而引发恐慌。

Academic Writing

首先观察，继而分析。
理论提出，继而得到验证。
细胞分裂，继而组织形成。
数据收集，继而得出结论。

Business/Professional

项目启动，继而招募团队。
亏损扩大，继而缩减开支。
新机发布，继而预售开始。
调研结束，继而制定方案。

Nature/Science

花开，继而结果。
冰雪融化，继而汇成溪流。
反应开始，继而释放能量。
幼虫蜕皮，继而化蛹。

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这个决定会继而引发什么后果？ (What consequences do you think this decision will subsequently trigger?)"

"在你的国家，通常是先订婚继而结婚吗？ (In your country, is it usually engagement first and subsequently marriage?)"

"如果你赢了奖金，你会先买什么，继而做什么？ (If you won a prize, what would you buy first and subsequently do?)"

"你认为人工智能会先取代简单的劳动，继而取代复杂的创意工作吗？ (Do you think AI will first replace simple labor and subsequently replace complex creative work?)"

"当一个人感到极度压力时，通常是先焦虑继而失眠吗？ (When a person feels extreme stress, is it usually anxiety first and subsequently insomnia?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你先感到失败，继而获得成功的经历。 (Describe an experience where you first felt failure and subsequently achieved success.)

写一段关于季节变化的文字，使用'继而'来连接不同的自然现象。 (Write a passage about seasonal changes using '继而' to connect different natural phenomena.)

分析一个社会问题：它是如何产生，继而如何影响人们生活的？ (Analyze a social problem: how did it arise and subsequently affect people's lives?)

想象一个未来的科技发明，描述它如何被发明，继而如何改变世界。 (Imagine a future technological invention; describe how it was invented and subsequently changed the world.)

记录你的一天，但要像写小说一样，用'继而'来连接你的主要活动。 (Record your day, but write it like a novel, using '继而' to connect your main activities.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, no. '继而' is a conjunction that needs to follow a previous clause (usually separated by a comma). Starting a sentence with it is rare unless it's referring back to a very clear action in the previous sentence in a very literary style.

Yes, but in a much more formal way. Think of it as 'subsequently' or 'thereafter'. You wouldn't use it for simple things like 'I ate and then I left.'

Confusing it with '进而'. Remember: '继' is for sequence (next in time), '进' is for progress (next in level).

No. '继而' strictly denotes a sequence where one thing happens after another. For simultaneous actions, use '同时' or '一边...一边...'

Yes, it is a common word in HSK 5 and 6 reading and writing sections because it tests your ability to handle formal Chinese transitions.

Because it uses the character '而', which is a hallmark of Classical Chinese. Using classical particles in modern Chinese naturally elevates the formality of the text.

No, it is used to connect clauses or verb phrases. For example, 'A, 继而 B'. You wouldn't say '苹果继而香蕉'.

It usually implies a relatively short and continuous gap. The two actions feel like they are part of the same event or scene.

It can be used in formal reports or very professional emails to describe project timelines, but '然后' or '随后' are more common in standard business correspondence.

It's 'jì'ér'. The 'jì' is a sharp falling tone, and 'ér' is a rising tone. Make sure not to make the 'ér' sound like 'r' at the end of an English word; it's a full syllable.