先……，再／然后……
first …, then … (and last …)
Structure
先 + 动作1 ， 再／然后 + 动作2 （， 最后 + 动作3）
What it means
Puts steps in order: 先 “first”, 再 or 然后 “then”, 最后 “last, finally”.
How it is built
先 + action 1，再／然后 + action 2 (，最后 + action 3): 你先洗手，再吃饭 (Wash your hands first, then eat).
When to use it
先 and 再 go after the subject, right before the verb; 然后 can start a new clause, even before a subject. In a list of steps you also hear 接着 “next” and 接下来 “after that”.
Watch out
✗ 先你吃，再我吃。 ✓ 你先吃，我再吃。 Here 再 means “then”, not “again” (h2-13).
Examples
先打两个鸡蛋，然后倒一点点油。
First crack two eggs, then pour in a little oil.
你先洗手，再吃饭。
Wash your hands first, then eat.
我们先吃饭，然后去看电影。
Let’s eat first and then go and see a film.
先加水，再放面条儿，最后放菜。
First add water, then the noodles, and last the greens.
Learn this in HSK 2 · Lesson 22: 我们一起做饭 (Cooking together)
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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