接着

• Pinyin: jiē zhe
• Hanzi breakdown: 接 = 扌 (hand radical) + 妾 (phonetic component); 着 = aspect particle indicating continuation

Meaning

Then; next; to continue. Indicates that something happens right after or that an action carries on.

Used as an adverb to connect two sequential actions or events, similar to 'and then' in English. Can also be used as a verb meaning 'to carry on' or 'to continue.' Very useful for narrating sequences of events in daily conversation.

Examples

1. 我们先吃饭，接着去看电影。 Let's eat first, then go see a movie.
2. 他说完以后，接着就走了。 After he finished speaking, he left right away.
3. 你接着说，我在听。 Go on — I'm listening.

Usage Guide

Context: narration, everyday, instruction

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 先洗手，接着吃饭。(First wash your hands, then eat.)
• 你接着做，不用等我。(Keep going — you don't need to wait for me.)

Don't Say

• 我接着他去了学校。(Don't use 接着 + person to mean 'follow someone' — use 跟着 instead. 接着 connects actions, not people.)

Origin & History

Compound of 接 (to receive/connect) + 着 (aspect particle indicating continuation). Literally 'connecting on,' hence 'following up' or 'continuing.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal