When ‘Then’ should not be translated into ‘Потом’

At the elementary level, when students learn to narrate a sequence of actions, they acquire the adverbs ‘сначала’ (=first) and ‘потом’ (=then).

• Сначала я принял душ, а потом позавтракал. = First, I took a shower and then had breakfast.

In such a context, the use of the adverb ‘потом’ is absolutely justified. The problems begin when students start using ‘потом’ when translating a phrase like ‘Okay then’ or expressing a logical consequence or result. In such situations, ‘then’ should be translated into ‘тогда‘. See for yourself and use ‘потом’ and ‘тогда’ correctly.

• Well, then let’s go there. = Что ж, тогда давайте пойдем туда.
• Okay, then, I’ll meet you at the office. = Хорошо, тогда увидимся в офисе.
• Then I won’t do this. = Тогда я не буду этого делать.