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March 24, 2026
然后(然後)ránhòu(ran2hou4)
然后 (rán hòu) is used to indicate a sequence of actions, meaning 'after that' or 'then'. It connects two clauses or events, showing that one occurs following another, often in narratives or instructions.
Frequency#145DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese storytelling, sequences are important to create logical flow. Using 然后 correctly helps listeners or readers follow the narrative smoothly, reflecting the importance of clarity in communication.
Memory Tip
Think of 然 (rán) as a 'sun' shining down on '后' (hòu), which represents the 'back' or 'after'. Imagine the sun setting in the back after a long day, reminding you that one event follows another.
Meanings of 然后
ránhòu(ran2hou4)
1after
2then (afterwards)
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 然后
然后Simplified
然後Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
连词连词conjunction (conj.)Part of Speech
#145Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L3HSK 3.0L3ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 然后
Podcast: 然后
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AI Study Notes for 然后
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 然 (rán) as a 'sun' shining down on '后' (hòu), which represents the 'back' or 'after'. Imagine the sun setting in the back after a long day, reminding you that one event follows another.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to use 然后 to start a sentence without a clear previous context, as it implies a connection to something said before. It is typically used in informal and formal contexts alike; however, it’s more common in spoken Chinese. Common collocations include '然后再...' (then again...) or '然后就...' (and then...).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 3 word, 然后 connects well with other time-related words like '先' (xiān, first) and '最后' (zuìhòu, finally). Students should practice using it in sentences to reinforce understanding of sequence.
Cultural Note
In Chinese storytelling, sequences are important to create logical flow. Using 然后 correctly helps listeners or readers follow the narrative smoothly, reflecting the importance of clarity in communication.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 然后 with 之后, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我吃饭然后去洗澡' (I eat then take a shower) is incorrect; it should be '我吃饭之后去洗澡' to emphasize the timing.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 然后
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Grammar Patterns of 然后
然后 functions as a conjunction — it connects clauses or phrases. Many Chinese conjunctions come in pairs (虽然…但是…, 因为…所以…); use them at the front of the clauses they link. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
The lift started off, juddered, and went out of action.
10
然后他反扭住那名男子的手臂让他动弹不得，直到警察赶到。
rán hòu tā fǎn niǔ zhù nà míng nán zǐ de shǒu bì ràng tā dòng dàn bù dé， ， zhí dào jǐng chá gǎn。
He then held the man in an armlock until police arrived.
Cultural Notes for 然后
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese storytelling, sequences are important to create logical flow. Using 然后 correctly helps listeners or readers follow the narrative smoothly, reflecting the importance of clarity in communication.
Frequently Asked Questions about 然后
It's better to use 然后 to connect ideas from previous sentences, as it implies a sequential relationship.
Yes, 然后 can be used in both contexts, but it’s more commonly found in everyday conversation.
然后 focuses on the sequence of actions, while 之后 (zhīhòu) emphasizes the time aspect, meaning 'after'.
