然后然後 ránhòu — then, after that, and then
ránhòu (second tone, rising)ran2hou4
Traditional: 然後
then, after that, and then
HSK 3· HSK 1–4 (classic)Level 3· Three-band, nine-level standardconjunction
Meanings
then, after that, and then
Links two actions in the order they happen. It often follows 先 in the first clause: 先…，然后… It is about sequence, so unlike 后来 it works for the future as well.
conjunction
Example sentences
- 我先复习，然后去锻炼。我先複習，然後去鍛煉。Wǒ (third tone, dipping) xiān (first tone, high and level) fùxí, (fourth tone, falling) ránhòu (second tone, rising) qù (fourth tone, falling) duànliàn. (fourth tone, falling)···
I’ll revise first and then go and exercise.
- 先洗手，然后吃饭。先洗手，然後吃飯。Xiān (first tone, high and level) xǐ (third tone, dipping) shǒu, (third tone, dipping) ránhòu (second tone, rising) chī (first tone, high and level) fàn. (fourth tone, falling)···
Wash your hands first, then eat.
Common mistakes
Not quite我先复习，后来去锻炼。
Correct我先复习，然后去锻炼。
后来 narrates something already finished; 然后 sequences two actions, past or future. In a plan, the word is 然后.