What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 下一个 breaks down into 下 (down/next), 一 (one) and 个 (a general classifier or measure word), literally meaning 'next one'.
Which one should you use?
While 下一个 is the standard form for general sequences, you may use other terms depending on the context: 下一步 refers specifically to the next step or stage in a progression and the informal phrase 再来一个 means 'one more' or 'another one'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of southern China, 下一个 is occasionally replaced by 后一个.
How does it change in a sentence?
The classifier 个 within the phrase changes depending on what you are describing. To refer to the next occurrence in time, replace 个 with 次 to get 下一次 (next time). If you are referring to the next vehicle, such as a bus or train, replace 个 with 辆 to get 下一辆.
How do you pronounce it?
xia yi ge
Did you know?
- The character 下 in 下一个 means 'down' or 'below'. In Chinese spatial logic, the 'next' item in a list is visualized as being physically below the current one.
- In high-pressure environments like hospitals or banks, you will often hear 下一个 shouted as a command, which can sound blunt to English speakers but is standard efficiency in Chinese.
- While 下一个 is standard, the word 下 is also used for 'next' in dates, such as 下周 for 'next week' or 下个月 for 'next month'.
Examples in context
- 下一个给你。The next one's for you.This sentence shows how to use 下一个 to indicate the next person in a sequence receiving something.Tatoeba #5576809 by verdastelo9604, translation #3168160 by CK
- 下一个是谁？Who is next?This sentence uses 下一个 to ask who the following person is.Tatoeba #7768204 by jiangche, translation #801609 by Eldad
- 请在下一个十字路口右转。Turn right at the next intersection.This sentence demonstrates using 下一个 to describe the next physical location or landmark.Tatoeba #4147433 by sissima, translation #658059 by CK
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Jiayi are waiting in line at a coffee shop.
- 伟 Wei现在是我的回合吗？Xiànzài shì wǒ de huíhé ma?Is it my turn now?
- 佳怡 Jiayi不是，下一个是佳怡。Búshì, xià yī gè shì Jiāyí.No, the next person is Jiayi.
- 伟 Wei噢，我记错了。Ō, wǒ jì cuò le.Oh, I remembered incorrectly.
- 佳怡 Jiayi没关系，伟。Méi guānxì, Wěi.It's okay, Wei.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
