然后
Ránhòu
The Chinese phrase for "and then" is 然后 (Ránhòu).
然后 is used to indicate a chronological sequence of actions or steps in a process. It is most naturally used to connect two distinct clauses within a sequence of events.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 然后 is frequently paired with 先 (xiān), which means "first", to create the structure "first… and then…" (先… 然后…).
How do you pronounce it?
Ránhòu
Did you know?
- The character 然 (rán) is also found in the word for 'natural', 自然 (zìrán), linking the idea of 'as it is' or 'so' to the very concept of nature.
- In certain contexts, using 然后 at the end of a sentence as a filler word is a common habit among younger speakers, similar to how English speakers might use 'and then…' while thinking.
- While 然后 denotes a sequence, using it too frequently in a single paragraph is often criticized in formal Chinese writing as a sign of poor style or 'translated' language.
Examples in context
- 我们先吃饭，然后再走。First we'll eat, and then we'll go.This sentence shows how to use 然后 to connect two actions in a sequence.Tatoeba #400336 by GlossaMatik, translation #400331 by CM
- 我先要去银行，然后去买票。First I'll go to the bank, and then I'll buy the tickets.This sentence demonstrates using 然后 to connect two different tasks.Tatoeba #947384 by GlossaMatik, translation #947381 by FeuDRenais2
- 汤姆的航班延误了，然后被取消了。Tom's flight was delayed and then cancelled.This sentence uses 然后 to describe a sequence of events involving a flight.Tatoeba #8751431 by slo_oth, translation #3442609 by Hybrid
- 我先去买菜，然后回家做饭。I will first go to buy groceries and then go home to cook.
- 他打开电视，然后坐在沙发上。He turned on the TV and then sat on the sofa.
- 我先完成作业，接着再玩电脑游戏。I will finish my homework first and then play computer games.
- 大会结束后，随后进行了闭门会议。After the conference ended, a closed-door meeting followed.
- 新闻发布会结束后，紧接着进行了采访环节。Following the press conference, an interview segment immediately followed.
- 他向屋内看了一眼，而后走了进去。He glanced into the room and then walked in.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend plans.
- 梓涵 Zihan我们先去看电影，然后去吃饭吗？Wǒmen xiān qù kàn diànyǐng, ránhòu qù chīfàn ma?Shall we go see a movie first, and then go eat?
- 浩然 Haoran好啊，然后我们去逛街吧。Hǎo a, ránhòu wǒmen qù guàngjiē ba.Sure, and then let's go shopping.
- 梓涵 Zihan浩然，你觉得这个主意怎么样？Hàorán, nǐ juéde zhège zhǔyi zěnmeyàng?Haoran, what do you think of this idea?
- 浩然 Haoran我觉得很棒！Wǒ juéde hěn bàng!I think it's great!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
