01 / READExamples
Highlighted words show the grammar pattern. Reveal the English translation when needed.
我们先看菜单，再点菜。
Let us look at the menu first, then order.
The second step follows the first; 再 does not mean ordering again here.
先洗手，再吃点心。
Wash your hands first, then have a snack.
An instruction can leave the subject unstated.
我想先查地址，再出门。
I would like to check the address first, then leave.
想 introduces the plan; 先 and 再 organize its two steps.
02 / UNDERSTANDHow it works
Sentence pattern
先 marks an action that comes first; 再 introduces the action that follows. Put each word before its verb phrase. 我们先看菜单，再点菜 gives the order “look at the menu, then order.” You do not need to repeat the subject when the same people do both things. This makes the pattern useful for plans, instructions, and everyday routines.
再 here means “then,” with attention on the next step. It can also mean “again” in other sentences, so read it together with the first clause. 先…再… often presents actions that are still to happen, or a general procedure. When reporting a completed sequence, 先…然后… is a straightforward alternative. Do not use 再 as a general replacement for English “then” in every past narrative.
Use the pattern to show which action comes first. For a polite suggestion, add 我们 and consider a final 吧. Keep each verb with its object; the word order within each action stays the same.
COMMON MISTAKESWhat to watch for
Avoid我们先菜单看，再点菜。
Use我们先看菜单，再点菜。
Keep the verb before its object: 看菜单. 先 goes before the whole first activity, not between its object and verb.
03 / PRACTISECheck your understanding
04 / VOCABULARYLesson vocabulary
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning here |
|---|---|---|
| 菜单 | càidān | menu |
| 点菜 | diǎn cài | to order food |
| 地址 | dìzhǐ | address |
Choose a Chinese word for dictionary definitions, examples and stroke order. The meanings above are specific to this lesson.
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Written for this website. Levels indicate difficulty, not official HSK placement. The app covers this topic with different wording and exercises.
