First… Then… (首先…然后…)
首先……，然后……
Narrate sequential actions using the 首先……然后…… pattern for clear, ordered descriptions
This pattern describes actions or steps that happen in a specific order. 首先 marks the first action and 然后 marks what follows. The sequence can be extended with 接着 (next), 最后 (finally), etc.
首先 is more formal than 先. It is commonly used in instructions, speeches, and written Chinese. The pattern can be extended: 首先……然后……接着……最后…… for multi-step sequences.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: First… Then… (首先…然后…) (首先……，然后……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 首先……，然后…… pattern
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Understanding 首先……，然后……
When you need to explain a process, give instructions, or narrate events in order, 首先……然后…… is your go-to pattern. 首先 means "first of all" and carries a slightly more formal tone than 先, making it perfect for presentations, instructions, and structured explanations. 然后 means "then" or "after that" and introduces the next step. This pattern gives your speech a clear, logical structure that listeners can easily follow. You can extend it by adding 接着 (next/following that) and 最后 (finally) for longer sequences. Whether you are explaining how to cook a dish, describing your morning routine, or presenting a plan at work, this pattern keeps everything organized and professional.
Key Points
- 首先 introduces the first step; 然后 introduces the second step.
- 首先 is more formal than 先 — suitable for speeches, presentations, and instructions.
- Can be extended: 首先……然后……接着……最后…… for multi-step processes.
- The subject can appear before 首先 or be shared across clauses.
- A comma separates each step in the sequence.
- Often used with 了 when describing completed sequences, and without 了 for instructions or plans.
Chinese communication, especially in professional settings, values clear sequential structure. Using 首先……然后…… in a meeting or presentation shows you have organized your thoughts carefully, which earns respect from colleagues and superiors.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
同学们首先读了一遍课文，然后认真地回答了黑板上的问题。
The students first read through the text once, then carefully answered the questions on the blackboard.
我们首先要找到科学的练习方法，然后坚持每天练习。
We first need to find a scientific practice method, then persist in practicing every day.
首先把菜洗干净，然后切成小块。
First wash the vegetables clean, then cut them into small pieces.
我首先给大家介绍一下背景，然后讨论具体的方案。
I will first give everyone some background, then discuss the specific plan.
她首先看了看菜单，然后点了两个菜和一碗汤。
She first looked at the menu, then ordered two dishes and a soup.
学开车首先要学交通规则，然后才能上路练习。
To learn to drive, you first need to learn traffic rules, then you can practice on the road.
首先我想感谢大家，然后我想说几句话。
First I would like to thank everyone, then I would like to say a few words.
Common Mistakes
首先 must come before 然后. The order is fixed and reflects the actual sequence of events.
Do not repeat 首先. Use 首先 for the first step and 然后 for the second.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 首先 when you want to sound organized and formal. For casual conversation, 先 works fine.
Extend the chain for complex processes: 首先……然后……接着……最后……
When giving instructions (recipes, directions), this pattern makes you sound clear and authoritative.
Practice describing your daily routine using this pattern — it is great repetition exercise.
Homework
Write four multi-step descriptions using 首先……然后……. At least two should use the extended pattern with 接着 or 最后. Topics: how to make your favorite food, your morning routine, how to learn a new skill, and how to plan a trip.