先...再
First...then
حرفيًا: First... again
Use `先...再` whenever you need to establish a clear order of operations in your daily life.
في 15 ثانية
- Used to sequence two actions clearly and logically.
- Place 'xiān' before action one and 'zài' before action two.
- Essential for making plans, giving directions, or setting priorities.
المعنى
This phrase is the ultimate way to set an order for your actions. It tells people you want to finish one thing before moving on to the next.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Deciding on dinner plans with a friend
我们先吃饭，再看电影吧。
Let's eat first, then watch a movie.
A boss giving instructions to an assistant
请先打印这份文件，再发给我。
Please print this document first, then send it to me.
Texting a friend who wants to meet up
我先洗澡，再去找你。
I'll shower first, then go find you.
خلفية ثقافية
The character `先` (xiān) originally depicted a foot above a person, signifying moving forward or being ahead. In a culture that values hierarchy and sequence, this linguistic structure reinforces the importance of 'first things first.' It is a foundational building block of logical Chinese thought.
The Subject Rule
If the person doing both actions is the same, put the subject at the very beginning: `我先...再...`. It sounds much more natural than repeating 'I' twice.
Don't mix up '再' and '又'
Both can mean 'again' or 'then,' but `再` is for things that haven't happened yet. Use `再` for your future plans, never for things that already happened.
في 15 ثانية
- Used to sequence two actions clearly and logically.
- Place 'xiān' before action one and 'zài' before action two.
- Essential for making plans, giving directions, or setting priorities.
What It Means
Think of 先...再 as your personal logic gate. It helps you organize your life in real-time. It literally means "First [Action A], then [Action B]." It is one of the most useful structures you will ever learn. It creates a clear sequence of events. It shows you have a plan. It keeps things orderly and predictable.
How To Use It
The structure is incredibly simple to master. You place 先 (xiān) before your first verb. Then you place 再 (zài) before your second verb. For example: 先吃饭，再看电影 (First eat, then watch a movie). You don't always need a subject in both parts. If the subject is the same, just say it once at the start. It's like building with LEGO blocks. Just snap the actions into the slots.
When To Use It
Use this when you are making plans with friends. It is perfect for giving instructions to someone. Use it at a restaurant when ordering courses. It works great when you are setting boundaries at work. If someone asks you for a favor, use it to delay them politely. "Let me finish this email first, then I will help." It sounds organized and professional. It also helps in emergencies to stay calm.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for things happening at the same time. If you are eating while watching TV, this is the wrong phrase. Avoid using it for long-term life goals that aren't connected. For example, "First I go to college, then I buy a house" sounds a bit robotic. It is best for immediate, sequential actions. Also, don't over-rely on it in very poetic writing. It is a functional, everyday tool.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture often emphasizes process and proper order. Doing things in the "right" sequence shows respect and logic. This phrase reflects a mindset of prioritization. In family settings, elders often use this to teach children patience. "First do homework, then play." It is deeply ingrained in the concept of 'li' (propriety). It's about doing what is necessary before what is desired. Even in modern business, it shows you are a logical thinker.
Common Variations
Sometimes people add 然后 (ránhòu) after 再 for extra emphasis. You might hear 先...然后再.... In very casual speech, people might just say 先... and leave the second part implied. For example, 先吃饭吧 (Let's eat first [and talk later]). Another variation is 先...再说 (xiān... zàishuō). This means "Let's do X first, and we'll deal with the rest later." It's the classic way to procrastinate a difficult conversation!
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This is a neutral, high-frequency collocation. It is safe to use in any social or professional setting to describe intended sequences.
The Subject Rule
If the person doing both actions is the same, put the subject at the very beginning: `我先...再...`. It sounds much more natural than repeating 'I' twice.
Don't mix up '再' and '又'
Both can mean 'again' or 'then,' but `再` is for things that haven't happened yet. Use `再` for your future plans, never for things that already happened.
The 'Wait and See' Secret
If a Chinese person says `先...再说` (xiān... zàishuō), they are often politely declining or delaying a decision. It's a soft 'maybe later' that avoids saying 'no' directly.
أمثلة
6我们先吃饭，再看电影吧。
Let's eat first, then watch a movie.
A classic way to suggest a sequence for an evening out.
请先打印这份文件，再发给我。
Please print this document first, then send it to me.
Clear, professional sequencing of tasks.
我先洗澡，再去找你。
I'll shower first, then go find you.
Common informal use for personal updates.
你先吃蔬菜，再吃糖。
You eat your vegetables first, then you can have candy.
Using the structure to set a condition or rule.
我们先过生日，别的事以后再说。
Let's celebrate the birthday first; we'll talk about other things later.
Using 'zàishuō' to push a topic into the future.
我先走了，你再休息一会儿。
I'm leaving first, you rest a bit longer.
Shows care by sequencing actions for someone else's comfort.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the sentence to say 'First drink water, then sleep.'
你___喝水，___睡觉。
The order is always `先` (first) followed by `再` (then).
Choose the correct word to complete the sequence.
我们先去超市，___回家。
`再` is the standard partner for `先` when describing a future or intended sequence.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of '先...再'
Used with friends for quick plans.
先走再聊 (Go first, talk later)
Standard daily communication.
先洗手再吃饭 (Wash hands then eat)
Used in work instructions.
请先阅读再签字 (Please read before signing)
Where to use '先...再'
Restaurant
先喝汤 (Soup first)
Office
先开会 (Meeting first)
Home
先做作业 (Homework first)
Travel
先买票 (Buy tickets first)
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, 先...再 is for future plans or general rules. For past events, you should use 先...然后 (xiān... ránhòu).
再 feels more like a direct consequence or a tight sequence. 然后 is just a general 'and then' that can be used for longer stories.
Absolutely! It sounds very logical and clear. Using 请先...再... is a very polite way to manage expectations.
In this specific pattern, it means 'then.' While 再 often means 'again' (like in 再见), here it marks the second step in a sequence.
Yes! You can say 先...再...最后... (First... then... finally...). For example: 先洗脸，再刷牙，最后睡觉.
It means 'talk about it later.' It's a very common way to focus on the immediate task and ignore other problems for now.
Yes, it is standard Mandarin used everywhere from Beijing to Singapore. There are no major regional variations for this basic grammar.
If you just say 先..., the sentence feels unfinished. Your listener will be waiting for the second half of the plan!
Yes, you can say 先我吃... but it sounds a bit clunky. 我先吃... is much more common and flows better.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in emails and reports to describe a process or a set of steps.
عبارات ذات صلة
然后 (ránhòu) - And then
最后 (zuìhòu) - Finally / Lastly
首先 (shǒuxiān) - Firstly (more formal)
接着 (jiēzhe) - To follow / Next
再说 (zàishuō) - To put off until later
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