先
xiān
First
How to say “first… then…” in Chinese with 先 (xiān)
先 (xiān)……, 再 (zài)……
先 (xiān) — first… then…
HSK 3Adverbs
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.
你先洗手再吃饭。
Nǐ xiān xǐshǒu zài chīfàn.
First wash your hands, then eat.
我们先去公园再吃饭。
Wǒmen xiān qù gōngyuán zài chīfàn.
First we'll go to the park, then we'll eat.
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.
你先洗手再吃饭。
Nǐ xiān xǐshǒu zài chīfàn.
First wash your hands, then eat.
我们先去公园再吃饭。
Wǒmen xiān qù gōngyuán zài chīfàn.
First we'll go to the park, then we'll eat.
Practice
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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.