首先……，其次……（，最后……）
first…, second… (, finally…): lays out the points of an argument · A matters less
Structure
首先 ， 第一点 。 其次 ， 第二点 。（最后 ， ……） · A + 是其次（的）
What it means
Lays out the points of an argument: “first…, second… (, finally…)”. A 是其次的 means A matters less.
How it is built
首先，point 1。其次，point 2。(最后，……): 首先，它不贵；其次，大家都有时间参加 (first, it isn’t expensive; second, everyone has time). 钱是其次的 = money is secondary.
When to use it
For speeches and essays: each word opens a whole point, usually at the start of a sentence with a comma. For actions one after another in time, 先……然后…… sounds more natural.
Watch out
Keep the points parallel: all reasons, or all steps. For a plain story of what you did, say 我先起床，然后吃早饭, not 首先……其次…….
Examples
我赞成这个计划。首先，它不贵；其次，大家都有时间参加。
I’m in favour of this plan. First, it isn’t expensive; second, everyone has time to take part.
准备演讲，首先要选好主题，其次要找几个典型的例子，最后多练几遍。
To prepare a speech, first choose your theme well, second find a few typical examples, and finally practise it several times.
钱是其次的，关键是你喜欢不喜欢这份工作。
The money is secondary; the key thing is whether you like the job.
Learn this in HSK 4 · Lesson 22: 演讲比赛 (The speech contest)
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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