次
[ɕi]
The Japanese word for "next" is 次.
次 is used to refer to something in a time, place or sequence that is closest to or following the current one.
Meaning: In a time, place or sequence closest or following (adv)
Which one should you use?
While 次 itself means "next," its form changes depending on how it functions in a sentence: use 次の when it acts as an adjective modifying a noun, and use 次は when you want to say "as for the next" or "next is…" to signal a transition.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use "next" as an adjective to modify a noun, you must add the particle の to form 次の. Additionally, adding the topic marker は to create 次は is a common way to say "Next is…" or "As for the next one…". This construction is frequently used as a standalone phrase to signal a transition to the next item in a list or the next person's turn.
Did you know?
- When saying 次は to signal a turn, Japanese speakers often accompany the phrase with a slight nod or a gesture toward the next person.
- The word 次 entered the language from Middle Chinese, where it originally meant 'in order' or 'second'.
- In Japanese, the concept of 'next' is closely tied to the idea of 'connecting' or 'joining' things in a chain.
Examples in context
- 次は誰の番？Whose turn is it next?This sentence shows how to ask whose turn is next using 次.Tatoeba #9820429 by bunbuku, translation #54805 by CK
- 次の予定は？What's next?This sentence demonstrates asking about the next scheduled item using 次.Tatoeba #12777920 by small_snow, translation #2549803 by CK
- 次は君の番だ。It's your turn next.This sentence shows how to state it is someone's turn next using 次.Tatoeba #150206 by small_snow, translation #264351 by CK
- 彼の次の仕事は非常に重要です。His next job is very important.
- 次回の会議は来週火曜日です。The next meeting is on Tuesday next week.
- 次の映画館へ行こう！Let’s go to the next movie theater!
- 341 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are waiting in line at a cafe.
- 蓮 Ren次はコーヒーを注文しましょう。Tsugi wa koohii o chuumon shimashou.Let's order coffee next.
- 美咲 Misakiいいですね。私も飲みます。Ii desu ne. Watashi mo nomimasu.That sounds good. I'll drink some too.
- 蓮 Ren美咲さんは何を飲みますか？Misaki-san wa nani o nomimasu ka?What will you drink, Misaki?
- 美咲 Misaki私は紅茶にします。Watashi wa koucha ni shimasu.I'll have tea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 次, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 次, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
