xiān...zài...
First... then... (先……再……)
先...再... means 'first... then...' Use it to arrange two actions in order.
Anchor example
我们先吃饭，再去看电影。
Wǒmen xiān chī fàn, zài qù kàn diànyǐng.
Let's eat first, then go watch a movie.
HSK 2
HSK 2
1
1 structures
10
10 exercises
Lesson summary
先...再... means 'first... then...' Use it to arrange two actions in order.
先 marks the first action, and 再 marks the next action. It is common for plans, instructions, and daily routines. 再 in this pattern means 'then/afterwards,' not 'again.' Do not confuse it with 又, which often refers to repeated or additional completed actions.
Grammar pattern
先 + Action 1, 再 + Action 2
Shows planned sequence: do one thing first, then another.
我们先吃饭，再去看电影。
Wǒmen xiān chī fàn, zài qù kàn diànyǐng.
Let's eat first, then go watch a movie.
你先写作业，再玩手机。
Nǐ xiān xiě zuòyè, zài wán shǒujī.
Do your homework first, then play on your phone.
请先喝水，再吃药。
Qǐng xiān hē shuǐ, zài chī yào.
Please drink water first, then take the medicine.
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