The Structure ‘先...，再/又...，然后...’

Description

The structure "先...，再/又...，然后..." (xiān..., zài/yòu..., ránhòu...) is used in Chinese to express a sequence of actions or events. It signifies the order in which actions occur, emphasizing the step-by-step progression of tasks or activities.

Structure

The structure typically consists of:

先 + Action 1 + ， + 再/又 + Action 2 + ， + 然后 + Action 3

Usage

The use of "先" (xiān) indicates the first action in the sequence, "再" (zài) or "又" (yòu) indicates the subsequent action, and "然后" (ránhòu) denotes the final action. "再" (zài) is used when the actions are different, while "又" (yòu) is used when the actions are repeated.

Examples

• 他先吃了早饭，然后去上班。(Tā xiān chīle zǎofàn, ránhòu qù shàngbān.) - He ate breakfast first, then went to work.
• 先听音乐，再做作业，然后睡觉。(Xiān tīng yīnyuè, zài zuò zuòyè, ránhòu shuìjiào.) - First listen to music, then do homework, and then sleep.
• 我们先去超市，又去买菜，然后回家做饭。(Wǒmen xiān qù chāoshì, yòu qù mǎi cài, ránhòu huí jiā zuò fàn.) - We first went to the supermarket, then went to buy vegetables, and then went home to cook.

Key Points

• The structure "先...，再/又...，然后..." provides a clear indication of the sequence of actions or events.
• "先" (xiān) denotes the first action, "再" (zài) or "又" (yòu) indicates subsequent actions, and "然后" (ránhòu) marks the final action.
• "再" (zài) is used when the actions are different, while "又" (yòu) is used when the actions are repeated.