AdverbsHSK 4

Sequencing with 先 and 再

Use 先...再... to indicate a sequence of actions: first do one thing, then do another. Place 先 before the first action and 再 before the second. This pattern only works for ordered events, not for simultaneous ones.

Structure

先 + [Action 1] + 再 + [Action 2]
the actions must occur in a logical sequence

Examples

  • 先洗手再吃。
    Xiān xǐ shǒu zài chī.
    Wash your hands first, and then eat.
  • 我喜欢先洗澡，再睡觉。
    Wǒ xǐ huan xiān xǐ zǎo, zài shuì jiào.
    I prefer to take a bath first and then go to bed.
  • 请你先买票再进去。
    Qǐng nǐ xiān mǎi piào zài jìn qù.
    Please buy a ticket first and then enter.
  • 你要先做作业，再看电视。
    Nǐ yào xiān zuò zuò yè, zài kàn diàn shì.
    You need to do your homework first, and then watch TV.
  • 我想先找工作，再搬家。
    Wǒ xiǎng xiān zhǎo gōng zuò, zài bān jiā.
    I want to find a job first, and then move.

Words that use this