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然后 [2025/08/13 07:39] – created xiaoer然后 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1
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-====== ránhòu: 然后 - Then, After That, And Then ====== +
-===== Quick Summary ===== +
-  * **Keywords:** ranhou, 然后, how to use ranhou, Chinese word for then, after that in Chinese, sequence words in Chinese, Chinese grammar ranhou, ranhou vs houlai, connecting actions in Chinese. +
-  * **Summary:** Learn how to use "然后" (ránhòu), the essential Chinese word for "then" or "after that." This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, character breakdown, and practical usage. Master "然后" to tell stories, give instructions, and structure your sentences like a native speaker. We'll cover everything from basic examples to common mistakes, like confusing it with "后来" (hòulái), to help you use this fundamental HSK 2 word with confidence. +
-===== Core Meaning ===== +
-  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** ránhòu +
-  * **Part of Speech:** Conjunction / Adverb +
-  * **HSK Level:** HSK 2 +
-  * **Concise Definition:** "Then" or "after that," used to connect sequential actions or events. +
-  * **In a Nutshell:** "然后" (ránhòu) is the cornerstone of sequencing in Chinese. It's the word you'll use constantly to explain what happened next. Think of it as the glue that connects "First, I did this..." to "...and *then* I did that." It's simple, direct, and one of the most useful words you'll learn for building conversational fluency. +
-===== Character Breakdown ===== +
-  * **然 (rán):** This character means "like that," "so," or "correct." In this context, it acts as a confirmation of the preceding action or state. It essentially says, "that being the case..." or "so, with that done...". +
-  * **后 (hòu):** This character is straightforward, meaning "after," "behind," or "later." It indicates that something follows in time or space. +
-  * When combined, **然后 (ránhòu)** literally means "so, after" or "that being so, afterwards." This perfectly creates the logical meaning of "then" or "after that," linking a completed action to the one that follows it. +
-===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== +
-While "然后" (ránhòu) isn't a deeply philosophical term like [[关系]] (guānxi), its frequent use highlights a common pattern in Chinese communication: a preference for linear, step-by-step narration. +
-In English, it's common to use more complex clauses like, "Having finished our meal, we went for a walk." In Chinese, it's far more natural and common to lay out the events in a simple, chronological sequence: "我们吃完饭，**然后**去散步" (Wǒmen chī wán fàn, ránhòu qù sànbù) — "We finished eating, *then* went for a walk." +
-This reflects a cultural value of clarity and directness in explanation. Whether giving directions, telling a story, or explaining a process, Chinese speakers often rely on a clear `先...然后...再...最后...` (first... then... also... finally...) structure. Mastering `然后` is key to adopting this natural-sounding, sequential way of speaking. It’s less about a profound cultural value and more about a fundamental, practical aspect of the language's narrative rhythm. +
-===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== +
-"然后" is a true workhorse of the Chinese language. You'll hear it and use it everywhere. +
-  * **Everyday Conversation:** It's the default word for recounting your day. "我早上七点起床，**然后**刷牙洗脸，**然后**吃早饭..." (I got up at 7, then brushed my teeth and washed my face, then ate breakfast...). +
-  * **Giving Instructions:** Essential for recipes, directions, or tutorials. "你先左转，**然后**一直走。" (First turn left, then go straight). +
-  * **Planning:** Used when outlining a series of steps or a schedule. "我们先去看电影，**然后**去吃饭，怎么样？" (Let's go see a movie first, and then go eat, how about that?). +
-  * **Filler Word:** Just like "and then..." or "so..." in English, speakers often use `然后` to pause and think about what to say next. In this case, the tone is often drawn out: "ránhòuuuuu...". +
-  * **Formality:** "然后" is a neutral term, equally appropriate in a casual chat with friends or in a formal business presentation. +
-===== Example Sentences ===== +
-  * **Example 1:**  +
-    * 我每天早上先喝一杯咖啡，**然后**开始工作。 +
-    * Pinyin: Wǒ měitiān zǎoshang xiān hē yībēi kāfēi, **ránhòu** kāishǐ gōngzuò. +
-    * English: Every morning I first drink a cup of coffee, and then I start work. +
-    * Analysis: This is a classic `先...然后...` (xiān...ránhòu...) structure, meaning "first... then...". It's one of the most common sentence patterns for describing a sequence. +
-  * **Example 2:**  +
-    * 我们昨天去看了电影，**然后**吃了火锅。 +
-    * Pinyin: Wǒmen zuótiān qù kànle diànyǐng, **ránhòu** chīle huǒguō. +
-    * English: We went to see a movie yesterday, and after that we ate hotpot. +
-    * Analysis: A simple and very common example of recounting past events in chronological order. +
-  * **Example 3:**  +
-    * 你从这里一直走，到路口右转，**然后**你就会看到地铁站。 +
-    * Pinyin: Nǐ cóng zhèlǐ yīzhí zǒu, dào lùkǒu yòu zhuǎn, **ránhòu** nǐ jiù huì kàndào dìtiě zhàn. +
-    * English: Go straight from here, turn right at the intersection, and then you will see the subway station. +
-    * Analysis: Perfect for giving directions. `然后` connects the two steps clearly. +
-  * **Example 4:**  +
-    * 他说了个笑话，大家先是愣了一下，**然后**都大笑起来。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā shuōle gè xiàohuà, dàjiā xiānshi lèngle yīxià, **ránhòu** dōu dàxiào qǐlái. +
-    * English: He told a joke, everyone was stunned for a moment, and then they all burst out laughing. +
-    * Analysis: Shows how `然后` can connect a reaction to an initial event. The sequence is logical and immediate. +
-  * **Example 5:**  +
-    * 请把这个文件填好，**然后**交给经理。 +
-    * Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ zhège wénjiàn tián hǎo, **ránhòu** jiāo gěi jīnglǐ. +
-    * English: Please fill out this document, and then give it to the manager. +
-    * Analysis: A polite command or instruction, common in a workplace setting. +
-  * **Example 6:**  +
-    * 我想先完成我的学业，**然后**再考虑结婚的事情。 +
-    * Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng xiān wánchéng wǒ de xuéyè, **ránhòu** zài kǎolǜ jiéhūn de shìqíng. +
-    * English: I want to finish my studies first, and then consider marriage. +
-    * Analysis: Used here for future plans. The `然后` connects two major life stages. The word `再 (zài)` is often added after `然后` for emphasis on the next step. +
-  * **Example 7:**  +
-    * 这个菜的做法很简单。你先把鸡蛋打散，**然后**倒进热锅里。 +
-    * Pinyin: Zhège cài de zuòfǎ hěn jiǎndān. Nǐ xiān bǎ jīdàn dǎ sàn, **ránhòu** dào jìn rè guō lǐ. +
-    * English: The way to make this dish is very simple. First you beat the eggs, then you pour them into the hot pan. +
-    * Analysis: Another great example of its use in instructions, specifically for a recipe. +
-  * **Example 8:**  +
-    * 他想了半天，**然后**说：“我不知道。” +
-    * Pinyin: Tā xiǎngle bàntiān, **ránhòu** shuō: “Wǒ bù zhīdào.” +
-    * English: He thought for a long time, and then said: "I don't know." +
-    * Analysis: Here, `然后` connects a period of thinking to the resulting action (speaking). +
-  * **Example 9:**  +
-    * 首先，我们要明确目标。**然后**，我们需要制定一个详细的计划。 +
-    * Pinyin: Shǒuxiān, wǒmen yào míngquè mùbiāo. **Ránhòu**, wǒmen xūyào zhìdìng yīgè xiángxì de jìhuà. +
-    * English: First of all, we must clarify our goals. Then, we need to create a detailed plan. +
-    * Analysis: In a more formal context, like a presentation, `然后` can start a sentence, connecting it to the previous point. Here `首先 (shǒuxiān)` is a more formal version of `先 (xiān)`. +
-  * **Example 10:**  +
-    * 他今天有点儿奇怪。他先进来，看了看大家，**然后**什么也没说就走了。 +
-    * Pinyin: Tā jīntiān yǒudiǎnr qíguài. Tā xiān jìnlái, kànle kàn dàjiā, **ránhòu** shénme yě méi shuō jiù zǒule. +
-    * English: He was a bit strange today. He first came in, looked at everyone, and then left without saying anything. +
-    * Analysis: This sentence strings together three actions. Notice how `然后` marks the final action in the sequence. +
-===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== +
-  * **Mistake 1: Confusing `然后 (ránhòu)` with `后来 (hòulái)`** +
-    * This is the most common pitfall for learners. They seem similar but have a crucial difference. +
-    * **`然后` (ránhòu):** Connects actions that happen in a direct sequence, often immediately after one another. It's about "what's next" in a process or story. +
-    * **`后来` (hòulái):** Means "afterwards" or "later on." It refers to a subsequent event that happened //sometime in the past//, and is disconnected from the flow of immediate actions. It often implies a significant time gap. +
-    * **Correct:** 我们吃完饭，**然后**去看了电影。 (Wǒmen chī wán fàn, ránhòu qù kànle diànyǐng.) - We finished eating, **then** went to see a movie. (Immediate sequence). +
-    * **Correct:** 我们大学时是好朋友，**后来**就没联系了。(Wǒmen dàxué shí shì hǎo péngyǒu, hòulái jiù méi liánxìle.) - We were good friends in college, **afterwards/later on** we lost touch. (Disconnected events in the past). +
-    * **Incorrect:** 我们大学时是好朋友，~~然后~~就没联系了。 (Using `然后` here sounds unnatural because losing touch wasn't an immediate, planned "next step" after being friends). +
-  * **Mistake 2: Overusing `然后`** +
-    * While `然后` is very common, stringing too many together can sound repetitive and a bit childish, just like saying "and then... and then... and then..." in English. +
-    * **Repetitive:** 我起床，**然后**刷牙，**然后**吃饭，**然后**去上学。 +
-    * **More Natural:** 我起床刷牙后，就去吃早饭，**然后**去上学。(Wǒ qǐchuáng shuāyá hòu, jiù qù chī zǎofàn, ránhòu qù shàngxué.) - After I get up and brush my teeth, I eat breakfast, and then go to school. +
-    * Mix it up by using other structures or connectors like `...以后 (yǐhòu)` or `[[接着]] (jiēzhe)`. +
-  * **Mistake 3: Using `然后` for simultaneous actions** +
-    * `然后` is strictly for sequential actions (A happens, then B happens). It cannot be used for actions that happen at the same time. +
-    * **Incorrect:** 我~~然后~~听音乐做作业。(Wǒ ránhòu tīng yīnyuè zuò zuo yè.) +
-    * **Correct:** 我**一边**听音乐**一边**做作业。(Wǒ yībiān tīng yīnyuè yībiān zuò zuo yè.) - I listen to music **while** doing homework. +
-===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== +
-  * `[[先]] (xiān)` - First, in advance. The most common partner for `然后` in the `先...然后...` pattern. +
-  * `[[后来]] (hòulái)` - Afterwards, later on. A "false friend" of `然后`. Used for subsequent, disconnected events in the past. +
-  * `[[以后]] (yǐhòu)` - After, from now on, in the future. Can be used like `...之后`, e.g., `下班以后 (xiàbān yǐhòu)` - after getting off work. +
-  * `[[接着]] (jiēzhe)` - To follow, to continue. A close synonym that emphasizes that the second action follows the first one immediately, without any interruption. +
-  * `[[之后]] (zhīhòu)` - After that, afterwards. A slightly more formal synonym for `然后` or `以后`. Often used as `[Event] + 之后`. +
-  * `[[最后]] (zuìhòu)` - Finally, in the end, last. Used to introduce the final item in a sequence, providing a clear conclusion. +
-  * `[[于是]] (yúshì)` - So, therefore, as a result. This implies a cause-and-effect relationship, not just a time sequence. "It rained, **so** (`于是`) we didn't go out." is different from "It rained, **then** (`然后`) the sun came out."+