次の方
tsugi no kata
In Japanese, the phrase for "next in line" is 次の方 (tsugi no kata).
次の方 refers to the person who is immediately after the current person in a queue. It is a common expression used by staff in service industries to call the next customer in a waiting area or queue.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 次 (next), the possessive particle の and 方 (a polite way to say person).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
次の方 is a polite way to refer to the next person. In professional or formal contexts, you might use the full phrase 次の方です to politely refer to the next person. For informal situations, you can use 次は私 to say "I'm next" or 次が来るよ to say "the next person is coming."
How do you pronounce it?
tsugi no kata
When do people say it?
In service environments, shopkeepers or service providers often use the expression お次をどうぞ to mean "Next, please" when calling the next person in line.
Did you know?
- While 次 (tsugi) means 'next', it is also the root of the word for 'succession' or 'inheritance' in a family lineage.
- In highly formal service settings, staff may avoid saying 次の方 directly and instead use お次のお客様 (otsugi no okyakusama), which translates to 'the next honored guest'.
- While 方 (kata) is used for 'person' in 次の方, calling someone 'next' in a casual setting often uses 次の人 (tsugi no hito). Using 方 with a friend or sibling would sound unnaturally formal or sarcastic.
Examples in context
- すみません、誰が次ですか？Excuse me, who is next in line?
- 次は私です。I'm next.
- お客様、お次をどうぞ。Next, please.
- 次の方、どうぞ。Tsugi no kata, douzo.Next in line, please.
- 次の方はこちらへお願いします。Tsugi no kata wa kochira e onegaishimasu.The next person in line, please come this way.
Example conversation
A staff member is calling people at a ticket counter.
- 陽葵 Himari次の方、こちらへ来てください。Tsugi no kata, kochira e kite kudasai.Next in line, please come this way.
- 陽太 Yota私ですね。お願いします。Watashi desu ne. Onegai shimasu.That's me. Thank you.
- 陽葵 Himariはい。チケットを確認しますね。Hai. Chiketto o kakunin shimasu ne.Yes. I will check your ticket.
- 陽太 Yotaはい、どうぞ。Hai, dōzo.Yes, here you go.
