然后 ránhòu then
then; afterwards
How to remember 然后: 然 however + 后 back = then.
Characters
How it is used
- "and then" - chains steps in order: 先吃饭，然后走 (xiān chīfàn, ránhòu zǒu) eat first, then leave.
- Often paired with a leading 先 (first). Contrast 后来 (hòulái, "later on"), which narrates the past, not the next step in a plan.
Example sentences
- 先洗手，然后吃饭。 Xiān xǐshǒu, ránhòu chīfàn.Wash your hands before you eat.
- 我们先吃饭，然后再走。 Wǒmen xiān chīfàn, ránhòu zài zǒu.First we'll eat, and then we'll go.
- 你等一会然后再给我打电话，可以吗？ Nǐ děng yīhuì ránhòu zài gěi wǒ dǎdiànhuà, kěyǐ ma?Could you call me back later?