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其次 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
其次qícìnextHSK 4, r, 14 strokes, rank #5248, Medium
其次qícìsecondlyHSK 4, r, 14 strokes, rank #5248, Medium
qícì(qi2ci4)qi ci T2
  1. 1next
  2. 2secondly
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March 24, 2026

其次qícì(qi2ci4)

其次 (qìcì) is used to indicate the second item in a sequence or list, often following a primary point or argument. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to structure thoughts clearly, especially in discussions or formal writing.

Strokes14Frequency#5248DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

Using 其次 reflects a structured way of thinking that is valued in Chinese culture, particularly in formal contexts like presentations or academic writing, where clarity and organization are essential.

Memory Tip

Think of 其次 as 'next' or 'secondly' in a list. The character '其' (qí) looks like a person with arms open, as if they are gesturing towards the next point, while '次' (cì) can remind you of 'two' or 'second,' helping you remember that this word is about sequencing.

Meanings of 其次

qícì(qi2ci4)
1next
2secondly
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 其次

其次Simplified
14Strokes
—Radical
代词dàicípronoun (pron.)Part of Speech
#5248Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 其次

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Podcast: 其次

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AI Study Notes for 其次

Quick Contrast

其次 (qícì) vs 其次是 (qícì shì): Use 其次 when simply listing items, and 其次是 when explicitly stating that what follows is the second point.

Usage Notes

It's important to use 其次 in contexts where you are enumerating points. A common mistake is to confuse it with 其余 (qíyú), which means 'the rest'. Remember to use it when you want to introduce the second point in a list or argument.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, learners should focus on using 其次 in complex sentences. It connects well with other sequential words like 首先 (shǒuxiān, 'firstly') and 最后 (zuìhòu, 'finally'), which helps in structuring arguments clearly.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 其次 with 其次的 (qìcì de), incorrectly using it as an adjective. For example, saying '其次的点' instead of just '其次' when listing points is unnecessary and incorrect.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 其次

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Component Characters

其qíhis
HSK 58 strokes八
View full entry
次cìnext in sequence
HSK 26 strokes欠
View full entry

How to say next in Chinese

“next” in Chinese is其次qícì

其次 (qìcì) is used to indicate the second item in a sequence or list, often following a primary point or argument. It is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to structure thoughts clearly, especially in discussions or formal writing.

When to use 其次

It's important to use 其次 in contexts where you are enumerating points. A common mistake is to confuse it with 其余 (qíyú), which means 'the rest'. Remember to use it when you want to introduce the second point in a list or argument.

其次 or something close to it

其次 (qícì) vs 其次是 (qícì shì): Use 其次 when simply listing items, and 其次是 when explicitly stating that what follows is the second point.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 其次 with 其次的 (qìcì de), incorrectly using it as an adjective. For example, saying '其次的点' instead of just '其次' when listing points is unnecessary and incorrect.

Write 其次

其
次

Practice writing 其次 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 其次

其次 functions as a pronoun — it stands in for a noun. Use it in the same positions as nouns (subject before verb, object after). Plurals are formed by adding 们 (我们, 他们). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

首先我们要读一遍课文,____我们要根据课文做一个练习。

First, we need to read the text once; second, we need to do an exercise based on the text.

Example Sentences for 其次 (4)

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1
马铃薯仍然是最受欢迎的食物,其次是白面包。

mǎ líng shǔ réng rán shì zuì shòu huān yíng de shí wù, , qí cì shì bái miàn。

Potatoes are still the most popular food, followed by white bread.
2
首先你不老,其次你是个富有魅力的男人。

shǒu xiān nǐ bù lǎo, , qí cì nǐ shì gè fù yǒu mèi lì de nán。

In the first place you are not old and in the second place you are a very attractive man.
3
首先是价格贵,其次,速度太慢。

shǒu xiān shì jià gé guì, , qí, cì , sù dù。

Firstly, it's expensive, and secondly, it's too slow.
4
他拒绝退而求其次。

tā jù jué tuì ér qiú qí cì。

He refused to settle for anything that was second best.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 其次

Yes, 其次 can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce your second point, just like in English.

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