▎先 A 再 B, (xiān (Adv) A zài (Adv) B), first A, and then B

 

Function This pattern presents the temporal sequence of two consecutive instances.

1 弟弟打算先去旅行再找工作。

Dìdi dǎsuàn xiān qù lǚxíng zài zhǎo gōngzuò.

My brother plans to go traveling first and then look for a job.

2 我想先吃晚飯再給媽媽打電話。

Wǒ xiǎng xiān chī wǎnfàn zài gěi māma dǎ diànhuà.

I want to eat dinner first and then call my mom.

3 他計畫在臺灣先學語言再念大學。

Tā jìhuà zài Táiwān xiān xué yǔyán zài niàn dàxué.

He plans to study language in Taiwan first and then go to college.

 

Usage This pattern indicates the order of two instances either in the past or future.

1 我昨天晚上先寫功課，再看電視。

Wǒ zuótiān wǎnshàng xiān xiě gōngkè, zài kàn diànshì.

Last night, I did my homework first and then watched TV.

2 我明天先去圖書館看書，再去超市買東西。

Wǒ míngtiān xiān qù túshūguǎn kànshū, zài qù chāoshì mǎi dōngxi.

Tomorrow, I’ll study in the library first and then go shopping at the supermarket.