How to say “first… then…” in Chinese with 先 (xiān)
先 (xiān)……, 再 (zài)……
先 (xiān) — first… then…
先 (xiān)……, 再 (zài)……
HSK 3Adverbs先 (xiān) — first… then…
Rule structure
先 (xiān)… 再 (zài)… means "first… then…" and is used to describe a sequence of future actions.
Rule structure
先 (xiān)… 再 (zài)… means "first… then…" and is used to describe a sequence of future actions.
Examples
我们先吃饭，再去看电影。
Wǒmen xiān chīfàn, zài qù kàn diànyǐng.
First we'll eat, then we'll go see a movie.
Examples
我们先吃饭，再去看电影。
Wǒmen xiān chīfàn, zài qù kàn diànyǐng.
First we'll eat, then we'll go see a movie.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “first… then…” in Chinese with 先?
Use the structure: 先 (xiān)……, 再 (zài)……. For example: 我们先吃饭，再去看电影。 — “First we'll eat, then we'll go see a movie.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
我们先吃饭，再去看电影。 — “First we'll eat, then we'll go see a movie.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.
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More HSK 3 grammar rules
一边 — doing two things at once
一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 1, 一边 (yìbiān) + Verb 2
终于 — finally
Subj. + 终于 (zhōngyú) + Verb + 了 (le)
总是 — always
总是 (zǒngshì) + Predicate
几乎 — nearly, almost
Subj. + 几乎 (jīhū) + Verb/Adj.
又 — again in the past
又 (yòu) + Verb + 了 (le)
才 — lateness, “not until”
Subj. + Time + 才 (cái) + Verb
只 — only, just
Subj. + 只 (zhǐ) + Verb + Obj.
老是 — always (complaining)
Subj. + 老是 (lǎoshì) + Verb/Adj.