HSK 4 · VERSION 2.0#25
Sequencing with “xiān” and “zài”
先……再……
How it works
先……再…… means “first... then...” It is used to show the order of actions.
At HSK4 level, this pattern is still important, but it often appears in longer and more natural sentences.
The pattern
先 (xiān) + Action 1, 再 (zài) + Action 2
Example sentences
你先休息一下，再继续做。
Rest first, then continue.
我们先讨论一下，再做决定。
Let’s discuss it first, then make a decision.
请大家先看问题，再回答。
Please look at the question first, then answer.
Key point
This pattern clearly marks sequence. It is often used in instructions, plans, and logical order.