French Sequencing Words: First, Then, Next, Finally
Learn to give step-by-step instructions in French using d'abord, ensuite, puis, and enfin, with pronunciation and examples.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you give instructions in French, you often need to show the order of steps. This lesson teaches four essential sequencing words: d'abord (first), ensuite (then), puis (then/next), and enfin (finally). Unlike a list of ingredients, these words connect actions in time. You will learn where to place them in a sentence, how to pronounce them, and how to use them in everyday situations like cooking, giving directions, or explaining a process. By the end, you will be able to give clear, ordered instructions in French.
By the end, you can…
- use d'abord, ensuite, puis, and enfin to sequence steps in French.
- give simple instructions in French using these sequencing words.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
D'abord, lavez les légumes.
First, wash the vegetables.
dah-BOR, lah-vay lay lay-GY
Use d'abord to introduce the first step. It often comes at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma.
Ensuite, coupez les oignons.
Then, cut the onions.
ahn-SWEET, koo-pay lay zoh-NYON
Ensuite marks the next step. It is slightly more formal than puis and common in both spoken and written French.
Puis, ajoutez l'huile.
Then, add the oil.
pwee, ah-zhoo-tay lweel
Puis is a shorter, very common alternative to ensuite. It can also mean 'then' in a sequence.
Enfin, servez le plat.
Finally, serve the dish.
ahn-FAN, sair-vay luh plah
Enfin introduces the last step. It can also express relief or impatience, but here it simply means 'finally'.
D'abord, ensuite, puis, enfin.
First, then, then, finally.
dah-BOR, ahn-SWEET, pwee, ahn-FAN
This is the full sequence. You can use all four in order to structure a set of instructions.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Sequencing words usually go at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma. For example: D'abord, mélangez les œufs. (First, mix the eggs.) Ensuite, ajoutez le sucre. (Then, add the sugar.) Puis, versez la farine. (Then, pour in the flour.) Enfin, faites cuire au four. (Finally, bake in the oven.) Note that the verb comes after the sequencing word. In French, you do not need a subject pronoun like 'you' in imperative instructions; the imperative form is used directly.
When to use it
Use d'abord for the very first step, ensuite or puis for middle steps, and enfin for the last step. Ensuite and puis are often interchangeable, but puis is more common in informal speech. For example, in a recipe: D'abord, épluchez les pommes. Ensuite, coupez-les. Puis, mettez-les dans un plat. Enfin, saupoudrez de sucre. (First, peel the apples. Then, cut them. Then, put them in a dish. Finally, sprinkle with sugar.) You can also use these words in directions: D'abord, tournez à gauche. Ensuite, continuez tout droit. Enfin, tournez à droite. (First, turn left. Then, continue straight. Finally, turn right.)
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
D'abord, prenez un bol.
First, take a bowl.dah-BOR, pruh-nay uhn bolD'accord. Ensuite ?
Okay. Then?dah-KOR. ahn-SWEETEnsuite, cassez deux œufs. Puis, mélangez.
Then, break two eggs. Then, mix.ahn-SWEET, kah-say duh zuh. pwee, may-lahn-zhayEt enfin ?
And finally?ay ahn-FANA little context goes a long way
In French, sequencing words like d'abord and enfin are standard in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very casual spoken French, people might use et puis (and then) or après (after) instead of ensuite. Enfin can also express frustration, as in Enfin, dépêche-toi ! (Come on, hurry up!), so tone matters. In Quebec, puis is often pronounced 'pis' in informal speech, but the written form remains puis.
One thing to watch for
Using 'premièrement' for 'first' in everyday instructions.
Try this instead: Premièrement is formal and means 'firstly' in a list of arguments, not steps. For instructions, use d'abord. For example, say D'abord, lavez les légumes, not Premièrement, lavez les légumes.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'First, wash your hands' in French?
Show a sample answer
D'abord, lavez-vous les mains.
D'abord introduces the first step. The reflexive verb lavez-vous is used for 'wash yourself' (your hands). Alternatively, you could say D'abord, lavez les mains, but lavez-vous is more natural for personal hygiene.
2What is the difference between ensuite and puis?
Show a sample answer
Both mean 'then', but puis is shorter and more common in informal speech, while ensuite is slightly more formal and often used in writing.
They are largely interchangeable, but register and frequency differ. In casual conversation, you might hear Et puis, j'ai fait... while in a recipe, ensuite is preferred.
3Translate: 'Finally, add the salt.'
Show a sample answer
Enfin, ajoutez le sel.
Enfin marks the last step. Ajoutez is the imperative form of ajouter (to add). You could also say Enfin, mettez le sel, which is equally correct.
Use d'abord for the first step, ensuite or puis for middle steps, and enfin for the last step. Place them at the start of a sentence, followed by a comma, and use the imperative form for instructions.
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