ránhòu: 然后 - Then, After That, And Then

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• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

“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 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.

• 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.

• `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.”