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shǒuxiān... qícì... zuìhòu...
first... next... finally... (首先……其次……最后……)
首先 A，其次 B，最后 C means “first A, next B, finally C.” Use it to organize steps, arguments, or instructions clearly.
Anchor example
首先要明确目标，其次要制定计划，最后要坚持执行。
Shǒuxiān yào míngquè mùbiāo, qícì yào zhìdìng jìhuà, zuìhòu yào jiānchí zhíxíng.
First, clarify the goal; next, make a plan; finally, keep carrying it out.
HSK 5
HSK 5
1
1 structures
15
15 exercises
Lesson summary
Read the sample sentence and notice how 首先……其次……最后…… works in the frame: 首先 A，其次 B，最后 C.
This pattern is useful in presentations, writing, instructions, and analysis. 首先 starts the sequence, 其次 adds the next point, and 最后 closes it. Do not mix it with 一来...二来..., which is mainly for two reasons and is more conversational.
Grammar pattern
首先 A，其次 B，最后 C
organizes steps or points in a formal sequence
首先要明确目标，其次要制定计划，最后要坚持执行。
Shǒuxiān yào míngquè mùbiāo, qícì yào zhìdìng jìhuà, zuìhòu yào jiānchí zhíxíng.
First, clarify the goal; next, make a plan; finally, keep carrying it out.
Fill in the blank: