The Chinese phrase "先...再..." (xiān... zài...)

 The Chinese phrase "先...再..." (xiān... zài...) is used to express a sequence of actions, meaning "first... then...". It's a very common and useful structure in Chinese to describe events happening in a specific order.

Here's a breakdown of how to use it, along with examples:

Structure:

• 先 (xiān) + Action 1 + 再 (zài) + Action 2

Meaning:

• You do Action 1 first, and then you do Action 2.

Key Points & Nuances:

1. Strict Sequence: "先...再..." emphasizes that Action 1 must happen before Action 2.
2. Verbs or Short Phrases: Both Action 1 and Action 2 are typically verbs or short verbal phrases.
3. No Pause (Usually): Often, there isn't a long pause or significant time gap between the two actions. They are usually consecutive or closely related.
4. Optional Omission: In very casual speech, sometimes one of the "先" or "再" can be omitted if the sequence is clear from context, but it's best to use both for clarity, especially when learning.
5. Subject Placement: The subject usually comes before "先".

Examples:

• 我先吃饭，再睡觉。

  • Wǒ xiān chīfàn, zài shuìjiào.
  • I'll first eat, then sleep.
  • (Eating must happen before sleeping.)

• 你先看书，再玩游戏。

  • Nǐ xiān kànshū, zài wán yóuxì.
  • You first read a book, then play games.
  • (Reading comes before playing games.)

• 我们先去商店，再去公园。

  • Wǒmen xiān qù shāngdiàn, zài qù gōngyuán.
  • We'll first go to the store, then go to the park.
  • (Visiting the store is the initial step.)

• 他先写作业，再看电视。

  • Tā xiān xiě zuòyè, zài kàn diànshì.
  • He'll first do his homework, then watch TV.
  • (Homework needs to be completed before watching TV.)

• 请你先听我说，然后再发表意见。

  • Qǐng nǐ xiān tīng wǒ shuō, rán hòu zài fābiǎo yìjiàn.
  • Please first listen to what I say, and then express your opinion.
  • (Here, 然 后 (ránhòu - then/afterwards) is added for a slightly more formal or emphatic "then." It's common to see "先...然后再...".)

• 我得先学习中文，再找一份工作。

  • Wǒ děi xiān xuéxí Zhōngwén, zài zhǎo yī fèn gōngzuò.
  • I have to first study Chinese, then look for a job.
  • (Learning Chinese is a prerequisite for finding a job.)

Common Uses:

• Giving Instructions: "先...再..." is excellent for giving step-by-step instructions.
  • 你先洗手，再吃饭。(Nǐ xiān xǐshǒu, zài chīfàn. - First wash your hands, then eat.)
• Describing a Plan: When talking about future plans that involve a sequence.
  • 我们先去北京，再去上海。(Wǒmen xiān qù Běijīng, zài qù Shànghǎi. - We'll first go to Beijing, then to Shanghai.)
• Narrating Events: When telling a story or describing past events in order.
  • 他先开了门，再走了进去。(Tā xiān kāi le mén, zài zǒu le jìnqù. - He first opened the door, then walked in.)

Comparison with similar phrases:

• 然后 (ránhòu): Means "then" or "afterwards." While "先...再..." implies a direct and often immediate sequence, "然后" can connect actions with a longer or more flexible time gap in between. You can use "先...然后..." for a more formal or slightly less immediate "then."
• 接着 (jiēzhe): Means "immediately after," "subsequently." It's similar to "再" but can imply even less of a time gap or a continuation.

In summary, "先...再..." is your go-to phrase for clearly stating the order of two actions. Practice using it in different contexts to become comfortable with its flow!