然后 rán hòu
“then; after that; afterwards”
conjunctionHSK 3 · 2021 list level 2Traditional 然後
新HSK等级2025 HSK 3.0 syllabus level
然后 appears in the November 2025 exam syllabus in the following numbered entry. Levels refer to the listed reading and use, not every meaning.
- Entry 813: 然后 ránhòu — Level 3; official annotation 3 (连). PDF page 100
Separate from the HSK 2.0 and 2021 list labels above. Compare the three lists.
用法How to use 然后
然后 means “then” or “after that.” It connects two actions or events in order, often in the pattern 先…然后… or [action], 然后 [next action]. Use it for a sequence of steps, not for “later” in a general or future sense.
例句Example sentences
- 我先洗个澡，然后吃饭。wǒ xiān xǐ gè zǎo, rán hòu chī fàn.I’ll take a shower first, then eat.
- 我们坐地铁到火车站，然后走路去学校。wǒ men zuò dì tiě dào huǒ chē zhàn, rán hòu zǒu lù qù xué xiào.We take the subway to the train station, then walk to school.
- 你先把作业做完，然后可以看电视。nǐ xiān bǎ zuò yè zuò wán, rán hòu kě yǐ kàn diàn shì.Finish your homework first, then you can watch TV.