首先……，其次／然后……
first…, second / then…, finally…
Structure
首先 A，其次／然后 B，最后 C
What it means
Lists points or steps in order: 首先 “first”, 其次 “second”, 然后 “then”, 最后 “finally”.
How it is built
首先 A，其次／然后 B，最后 C: 首先，这个网站太慢；其次，内容太少 (First, this website is too slow; second, there’s too little on it).
When to use it
Like 先……再／然后…… (h2-22), but more formal. 其次 gives the second point (reasons, agenda items); 然后 gives the next step in time.
Watch out
首先 is not “at first (but later …)”: for that, say 开始 or 一开始. ✗ 首先我不喜欢，后来喜欢了。 ✓ 一开始我不喜欢，后来喜欢了。
Examples
我们首先要洗手，然后再吃饭。
First we wash our hands, then we eat.
首先，这个网站太慢；其次，内容太少。
First, this website is too slow; second, there’s too little on it.
想学好汉语，首先要多听，其次要多说。
To learn Chinese well, first listen a lot; second, speak a lot.
Learn this in HSK 3 · Lesson 4: 开会 (The weekly meeting)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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