其次
qí cì HSK 4

English Meaning

📚 Example Sentences

首先学习,其次休息。
Shǒuxiān xuéxí, qícì xiūxi.
First study, next rest.
我喜欢苹果,其次是香蕉。
Wǒ xǐhuan píngguǒ, qícì shì xiāngjiāo.
I like apples, next bananas.
他先工作,其次吃饭。
Tā xiān gōngzuò, qícì chīfàn.
He works first, next eats.
首先,我学习。其次,我休息。
Shǒuxiān, wǒ xuéxí. Qícì, wǒ xiūxi.
First, I study. Next, I rest.
首先,吃饭。其次,喝水。
Shǒuxiān, chīfàn. Qícì, hē shuǐ.
First, eat. Then, drink water.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: '其' means 'its' or 'that,' and '次' means 'order' or 'next.' Think of it as 'that next thing' in a list—useful for remembering its role in sequencing ideas.

📝 Usage Notes

It is neutral in formality, suitable for both spoken and written Chinese, and common in explanations, arguments, or instructions to organize ideas. It's typically used after '首先' to build a list, but can also stand alone to mean 'next' in a series.

📖 Grammar Points

Used as a conjunction to connect clauses or sentences, often in the pattern '首先..., 其次...' to list points. It can be followed by a comma and a full clause, e.g., '其次,它非常省油。'

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese communication, using 其次 reflects a structured, hierarchical way of thinking, valuing clear prioritization in discussions, which is common in educational and professional settings.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to '然后' (then), which focuses on time sequence in narratives, 其次 emphasizes logical order or priority in reasoning. Unlike '第二' (second), which is more numerical, 其次 is softer and often used for non-rigid rankings.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn 其次 in CILI →