Correlative Adverb: 再 (Sequential Actions)
关联副词：再²
Use 再 to sequence actions, expressing "do A first, then do B"
Place 再 between two actions to indicate that the second action should happen after the first is completed. This creates a sequential relationship: "first do this, then do that."
This is different from 再 meaning "again." Here, 再 functions as a correlative adverb linking two actions in time order. The first action is a prerequisite or should logically come first. Often appears with 先 in the first clause for emphasis: 先VP₁再VP₂.
Lesson Targets
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Podcast: Correlative Adverb: 再 (Sequential Actions) (关联副词：再²)
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Understanding 关联副词：再²
You already know 再 as "again" (再见 = see you again). But 再 has a second important life as a sequencing word meaning "and then." When you say 做完作业再玩儿游戏, you are establishing an order: homework first, games second. This pattern is incredibly common in daily Chinese — parents use it to set rules, friends use it to make plans, and teachers use it to give instructions. The underlying logic is always the same: Action A must happen before Action B. Sometimes 先 (first) appears in the first clause to make the sequence even clearer: 先吃饭再看电视.
Key Points
- 再 between two VPs means "and then" or "after that": 吃完饭再走 = Leave after finishing the meal.
- The first action is treated as a prerequisite: 洗了手再吃 = Wash your hands, then eat (washing is required first).
- 先...再... makes the sequence explicit: 先做作业，再玩游戏 = First do homework, then play games.
- This 再 always refers to future or hypothetical sequences — it does not describe past events.
- In past narratives, use 然后 or 就 instead: 我吃完饭就走了 (I left after eating).
- The pattern often carries a persuasive or advisory tone — suggesting the proper order of things.
Chinese parents are masters of the 先...再... pattern. You will hear it dozens of times in any Chinese household: 先写作业再看电视 (Do homework first, then watch TV), 先吃饭再出去 (Eat first, then go out). It reflects the Chinese value of putting duty before pleasure.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我们做完作业再玩儿游戏。
Let's finish our homework and then play games.
你洗了手再吃水果。
Wash your hands before eating the fruit.
先听老师讲，再自己练习。
First listen to the teacher, then practice on your own.
先...再... pattern
等雨停了再出门吧。
Wait until the rain stops, then go out.
你先想清楚再做决定。
Think it through first, then make a decision.
吃完饭再喝茶。
Have tea after finishing the meal.
我们先去超市，再去看电影。
Let's go to the supermarket first, then go see a movie.
Common Mistakes
Sequential 再 is used for future or hypothetical actions, not past events. For past sequences, use 就 or 然后.
再 goes BETWEEN the two actions, not at the beginning. Action A comes first, then 再, then Action B.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of sequential 再 as a "then" button — it queues up the next action after the current one finishes.
The 先...再... pair is one of the most useful structures in Chinese. Practice it with your daily routines: 先刷牙再吃早饭.
Remember: sequential 再 is for future plans and suggestions. For telling stories about the past, switch to 然后 or 就.
This pattern is perfect for giving advice: 你先...再... sounds thoughtful and logical.
Homework
Plan your ideal weekend using the 先...再... pattern. Write at least six sentences describing your activities in order. Example: 我先睡到九点，再吃早饭。吃完早饭再去健身房...
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