The word [再 (zài)](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E5%86%8D) actually has a lot of uses, beyond just ["again."](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Again_in_the_future_with_%22zai%22) 先⋯⋯，再⋯⋯ (xiān..., zài...) is a pattern used for sequencing events, much like "First..., then..." in English. This pattern can also include 然后 (ránhòu) meaning "and after that." Basic Usage ------------------------------------------------------------- In the pattern below, 再 has a meaning of "then" or "and then." ### Structure ### Examples Colloquial Usage with 再说 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You may have learned that [再说 can mean "in addition."](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%22In_addition%22_with_%22zaishuo%22) Well, this usage of 再 is a more literal combination of 再说, fitting into the 先⋯⋯再⋯⋯ pattern. So in this usage, 再说 doesn't really mean "in addition." Rather, it most literally means "and then we'll talk." In other words, "let's just do this now," and then after we see the result, we can talk some more about next steps. There's kind of a "let's see how this goes first" feeling to the expression. ### Structure Note that in the pattern below, the sentence normally ends with 再说. ### Examples "and then..." with 接着 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When describing a series of actions, steps, or consecutive events, your Chinese will sound more natural if you can diversify your conjunctions. [然后](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E7%84%B6%E5%90%8E) (ránhòu) is most commonly used, a conjunction which means "[and then](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/And_then)." Alternatively, you can use 接着 (jīezhe), as a conjunction that means "next," or "afterwards." A longer example to help you understand how they can all work together: Sources and further reading --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Books - [Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed)](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Integrated_Chinese:_Level_1,_Part_1_(3rd_ed)) (pp. 258-9) [→buy](http://amzn.to/2xe9H5W) - [Integrated Chinese: Level 2, Part 2](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/Integrated_Chinese:_Level_2,_Part_2) (pp. 19-20) [→buy](http://amzn.to/2ftpILV) - [卓越汉语－公司实战篇](https://resources.allsetlearning.com/chinese/grammar/%E5%8D%93%E8%B6%8A%E6%B1%89%E8%AF%AD%EF%BC%8D%E5%85%AC%E5%8F%B8%E5%AE%9E%E6%88%98%E7%AF%87) (pp. 172) \[ →buy\] \