Grammar · Chapter 36
首先, 然后, 最后: in order
首先 … 然后 … 最后 …
To order steps: 首先 is “first”, 然后 “then”, 最后 “in the end”. To list reasons: 首先…其次… is “first… second…”. These words stand before the verb, often after a comma.
Examples
- 我们首先吃饭，然后休息。 Wǒmen shǒuxiān chī fàn, ránhòu xiūxi. First we'll eat, then rest.
- 首先洗手，然后吃饭，最后喝茶。 Shǒuxiān xǐ shǒu, ránhòu chī fàn, zuìhòu hē chá. First wash your hands, then eat, and finally have tea.
- 首先要多休息，其次要多喝水。 Shǒuxiān yào duō xiūxi, qícì yào duō hē shuǐ. First, get more rest; second, drink more water.