HSK 4
首先...其次...: First and Second in Chinese
首先...其次... orders two points, steps, standards, or reasons in a clear sequence. 首先 opens the first item and 其次 introduces the next one; 最后 may add a final item. The markers can organize one sentence or a longer passage, and the relation need not describe simultaneous actions.
STRUCTURE
首先 + Point 1, 其次 + Point 2
When to use 首先…其次… — and when not
Use it when
- To present steps in order: 学习中文，首先要多听，其次要多说。
- To rank considerations: 选择工作，首先看自己喜欢不喜欢，其次看工资。
- To organize reasons or points in an explanation, with 最后 available for an additional final item.
Don't use it when
- For two actions happening at the same time; use 一边...一边... when simultaneity is the intended relation.
- Do not assume 最后 is required after 其次; two ordered points can form a complete sequence.
- Do not stack 首先 and 其次 before one item or leave the clause after either marker structurally incomplete.
Right vs. wrong
学习中文，首先其次要多听和多说。
学习中文，首先要多听，其次要多说。
Both sequence markers are stacked before one item
首先 introduces the first complete item, while 其次 must wait until the second item begins. They cannot be stacked as one marker.
学习中文，首先要，其次要多说。
学习中文，首先要多听，其次要多说。
The first ordered item is left incomplete
要 needs a following action. The first point must be completed before 其次 introduces the next point.
Examples
学习中文，首先要多听，其次要多说。
Xuéxí Zhōngwén, shǒuxiān yào duō tīng, qícì yào duō shuō.
When learning Chinese, first listen more and second speak more.
选择工作，首先看自己喜欢不喜欢，其次看工资。
Xuǎnzé gōngzuò, shǒuxiān kàn zìjǐ xǐhuan bù xǐhuan, qícì kàn gōngzī.
When choosing a job, first consider whether you like it and second consider the salary.
这个办法有两个好处，首先很简单，其次很省时间。
Zhège bànfǎ yǒu liǎng ge hǎochu, shǒuxiān hěn jiǎndān, qícì hěn shěng shíjiān.
This method has two advantages: first, it is simple; second, it saves time.
介绍旅行计划时，首先说去哪儿，其次说什么时候去，最后说怎么去。
Jièshào lǚxíng jìhuà shí, shǒuxiān shuō qù nǎr, qícì shuō shénme shíhou qù, zuìhòu shuō zěnme qù.
When presenting a travel plan, say where to go first, when to go second, and how to go last.
解决这个问题，首先要了解原因，其次要听听大家的意见。
Jiějué zhège wèntí, shǒuxiān yào liǎojiě yuányīn, qícì yào tīngting dàjiā de yìjiàn.
To solve this problem, first understand the cause and second listen to everyone's views.
Common mistakes
学习中文，首先其次要多听和多说。
Xuéxí Zhōngwén, shǒuxiān qícì yào duō tīng hé duō shuō.
Do not stack 首先 and 其次. Give each marker its own ordered point.
学习中文，首先要，其次要多说。
Xuéxí Zhōngwén, shǒuxiān yào, qícì yào duō shuō.
Complete the action after 首先要, for example 首先要多听, before introducing the second item.
Think you've got it?
Write your own 首先…其次… sentence and check that grammar point first.
首先...其次...: First and Second FAQ
Must 首先 and 其次 appear in the same sentence?
No. They can organize clauses in one sentence, separate sentences, or even different paragraphs. What matters is that the reader can identify the first and next points.
What is the difference between 其次 and 然后?
其次 often ranks or organizes points in an explanation. 然后 commonly advances a time sequence, although it can also introduce the next step in some contexts.
Is 最后 required after 首先...其次...?
No. Use 最后 when there is a final additional item to present. A sequence containing only a first and second point is already complete.
Related Chinese grammar points
时而…时而…
时而...时而... (shí'ér...shí'ér)
Compare
Compare ordered discourse stages with alternating states or actions.
除此之外
除此之外 (chúcǐ zhīwài)
Continue learning
Add a further point after presenting the first ordered reasons.
归根到底
归根到底 (guīgēn dàodǐ)
Continue learning
Move from ordered supporting points to a final underlying conclusion.