HSK 2

再 V (then)

zài V

then

Structure

Action 1 + (再) + Action 2

How it works

The adverb '再' (zài) is used here to indicate that one action occurs after the completion of another action or after a certain condition is met. It is often translated as 'then' or 'not until' when used in a sequence of events. Unlike '再' meaning 'again', this usage emphasizes a specific chronological order.

Examples

我们先吃完饭再去看电影。

Wǒmen xiān chī wán fàn zài qù kàn diànyǐng.

Let's finish eating first, then go see a movie.

你先休息一下再做作业吧。

Nǐ xiān xiūxi yíxià zài zuò zuòyè ba.

Have a rest first, then do your homework.

我到了学校再给你打电话。

Wǒ dào le xuéxiào zài gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà.

I will give you a call after I arrive at school.

Common mistakes

Don't confuse this sequential '再' (zài) with '然后' (ránhòu). While '然后' is a conjunction used to connect two sentences, '再' is an adverb that must be placed directly before the verb.

Tip

Look for the word '先' (xiān - first) earlier in the sentence. These two words often work together as the '先...再...' (First... then...) pattern.

More HSK 2 grammar

要最几十几几十 V不V or A不A 是不是……？每 M N (都) V

See 再 V (then) in real Chinese

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