Learn · Lesson 24
Making a simple plan
Stack 要, 打算, 跟, and 然后 into a weekend plan you can say in four sentences.
Goals
- State intent with 要 / 打算
- Bring a person along with 跟…一起
- Sequence with 先…然后…
- Close with a meeting point
Intent
我要去商店. 我打算学习. 要 is stronger/nearer; 打算 is a plan you can still move. Both beat silent English thinking.
明天我想休息 is allowed. 想 vs 要 vs 打算 is a preference, not a penalty.
Negate a plan with 不: 我不去. 没打算 is possible later; keep 不 this week.
I have to / am going to work tomorrow.
I plan to take the subway.
I’m not going out today.
With someone
跟 + person + 一起 + verb. 我跟朋友一起吃饭.
Drop 一起 only when the verb already implies company. Beginners should keep 一起.
跟 is not English “and” between two nouns in every case. 和 also exists: 我和他. For actions, prefer 跟…一起.
I’m going with a friend.
Who are you going with?
I’d like to study Chinese with you.
Order the steps
先买票，然后进去. 先…然后… is enough sequencing for a beginner weekend.
Meeting point: 我们在门口见. 在 + place + 见.
Say the whole plan once without notes. That is the exam.
We’ll eat first, then watch a movie.
We’ll meet at the entrance.
Don’t be late.
Takeaways
- 要/打算 for intent, 跟…一起 for company.
- 先…然后… orders two steps.
- 在 + place + 见 sets the meetup.
Quick check
1. 跟朋友一起去 means…
2. 先…然后… marks…
3. 我们在门口见 is…