Sequential Complex Sentences
承接复句
Describe actions that happen one after another using sequential sentence patterns
Sequential sentences describe actions happening in order. You can list them without connectors (relying on comma separation) or use 先……再/然后…… to make the sequence explicit.
再 emphasizes actions not yet done (plans/suggestions), while 然后 can describe both completed and planned sequences. Without connectors, the sentence order itself shows the time sequence.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Sequential Complex Sentences (承接复句)
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Understanding 承接复句
Every day you do things in order — wake up, brush teeth, eat breakfast, go to work. Chinese sequential sentences let you describe these chains of actions. The simplest way is just listing them with commas: 吃了晚饭，我们出去走走 (After eating dinner, we will go for a walk). The order of the clauses shows the order of events. For extra clarity, use 先……再…… for planned actions (先去超市买东西，再回家 — first go shopping, then go home) or 先……然后…… which works for both plans and past events. Think of 先 as "first" and 再/然后 as "then/after that." This pattern is your narrative backbone — master it and you can tell stories, give directions, and plan schedules in Chinese.
Key Points
- Without connectors: clause order = time order. 吃了饭，去上课 (Ate, then went to class).
- 先……再…… is for PLANNED or SUGGESTED sequences — actions not yet completed.
- 先……然后…… works for both past and future sequences.
- 再 implies "and then (next)" while 然后 means "after that."
- You can chain more than two actions: 先……再……然后……最后……
- The subject can appear before 先 or be omitted if it is clear from context.
- A comma or pause naturally separates the sequential clauses.
Chinese people often describe processes step by step, especially when giving instructions or explaining recipes. Being able to use sequential sentences clearly is essential for everyday communication — from ordering at a restaurant to asking for directions.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
吃了晚饭，我们出去走走。
After eating dinner, we will go for a walk.
No connector — order shows sequence
他回房间拿了衣服，去教室上课了。
He went back to his room to get clothes, then went to class.
你先去超市买东西，再回家。
First go to the supermarket to buy things, then go home.
我先去吃午饭，然后回房间休息。
I will first go eat lunch, then go back to my room to rest.
先洗手，再吃饭。
First wash your hands, then eat.
A common parental instruction
下了课，我去图书馆了。
After class ended, I went to the library.
你先做作业，然后再看电视。
First do your homework, then you can watch TV.
我们先坐地铁，再换公共汽车。
We will first take the subway, then transfer to a bus.
Common Mistakes
先 must come in the first clause, 再 in the second. The order is fixed: 先 (first) then 再 (next).
再 is for actions not yet completed. For past sequences, use 然后 instead of 再.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
When telling someone what to do step by step, 先……再…… is your go-to pattern.
For past events, prefer 然后 over 再 — 再 sounds strange with completed actions.
You can extend the chain: 先……再……然后……最后…… for multi-step processes.
Practice by describing your morning routine using this pattern.
Homework
Describe your typical Saturday using sequential sentences. Write at least six sentences — three without connectors and three using 先……再/然后……. Include at least one chain of three or more actions.